Saving money

From thinking about how you shop to finding out about discounts for students, we have some general tips on ways you can save money.

1. Sign up for Blackbullion

Not sure where to start? Sign up for Blackbullion, our financial wellbeing platform for students, and check out 21 Days of Savings. You can also join the Money Smart Bootcamp to learn how to take control of your spending, reduce your living costs, try quick saving challenges and adopt simple hacks to save money.

2. Sign up for student discounts

Students can claim discounts via the NUS Totum Card, Student Beans or Unidays. Save the Student also has lots of discount and saving ideas.

3. Buy second hand items

Buying from charity shops is cheaper and more sustainable. Look out for clothes swap events run by societies on campus.

4. Swap your spending on food

Look for cheaper, non-branded foods. Club together with friends to buy in bulk or Scoop in Wentworth Graduate College helps you buy food more cheaply by buying in bulk from producers or other co-operatives. There are apps and websites that can help you save money on food:

Olio for free food. On the app, you'll find people nearby who are giving away food to avoid it going to waste.
Approved Food sells food that's past its best before date (but not its use-by date) at reduced prices.
Too Good To Go lets you buy food from businesses like cafes and restaurants that would otherwise go to waste at the end of the day.

5. Open a student bank account

UK students: Student bank accounts can usually give you access to an interest free overdraft to help you with additional funds when you need and also manage cash-flow between receiving your loan instalments. Read more about the benefits of a student bank account. You may be able to access a credit card with your bank account. Make sure you understand the difference between credit and debit cards so you can make informed decisions.

International students: See information from our International Student Support team on opening a UK bank account.

6. Save money on software

The University has subscribed to Microsoft 365 to provide you with a free copy of the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) suite, as well a range of other software available to you too, including EndNote, SPSS, and Maple. Find out more about the tools, software and services available for you to install or access.

7. Make use of cheaper travel

Try cycling or walking to bring down your travel costs, or consider purchasing a 16-25 Railcard, which reduces your train costs by a third.

8. Supplement your student loan with a part-time job

Log on to Careers and Placement's Handshake platform to search for part-time jobs and book appointments to help you support yourself financially.

9. Check if you are eligible for any bursaries, scholarships or benefits

There are bursaries and scholarships offered by the University as well as from external sources. You may be able to find relevant grants through sources such as Turn2us. While most students aren’t eligible for benefits, if you are disabled, a carer, have a child, live with a partner who is not a student, or you are on a part-time course, then you may be entitled to claim certain benefits and tax credits.

Help and support

Explored all the ways to save money and still find yourself struggling? Talking about money can feel uncomfortable at times, and it is sometimes hard to know who to talk to. The most important thing to know is that you can and should reach out if you need help.

Talk to our Student Support and Advice Team - we are specialist trained advisers who can provide information, advice and guidance on how you can improve your situation.

Student support and advice