Living in a vibrant city like London as a student can be an exciting experience, but it can also come with financial challenges. From rent and transportation to meals and entertainment, expenses can quickly add up. However, with some smart money-saving strategies, you can make the most of your student life in London without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore several practical tips to help you save money and stretch your student budget further in the bustling capital.
Article last updated: May 27, 2023
Eating on a Budget
- Too Good To Go
It is a London-based app that connects users with local restaurants and cafes offering surplus food at discounted prices. Users can purchase a “Magic Bag” containing a surprise selection of food items that would have otherwise gone to waste. By rescuing edible food and promoting sustainability, the app allows Londoners to enjoy affordable meals while reducing food waste.
- Yellow stickers
Do your grocery shopping after lunch. Yellow stickers in shops like Sainsbury, Tesco, or Marks & Spencer indicate discounted items nearing their expiration date, helping reduce food waste and offering customers savings on a variety of products.
- 30 minutes before closing time discounts
Purchase items at discounted prices close to the store’s closing time. Istu, POD, Wasabi, Crusshh, Coco Di Mama, Abokado, Tossed and many more. And event some shops like Boots will reduce massively before closing time.
Shopping, utilize student benefits & cashback
- NUS and Student Cards
Cumulate cashback with NUS and Student Cards: Obtain an NUS (National Union of Students) card or any student identification card to access a wide range of discounts and benefits across London.
- Get cashback on all your shopping
TopCashback is a cashback website and app that offers users a way to earn money back on their online purchases. By partnering with thousands of retailers, TopCashback provides a platform where users can shop through their links and receive a percentage of their purchase amount as cashback. This allows individuals to save money on their everyday shopping, from clothing and electronics to travel and home goods. Register with this Topcashback link for a £ bonus.
- Student Memberships
Check if any local gyms, clubs, or facilities offer discounted student memberships.
Never be afraid to ask for a discount. You never know what you might receive unless you have the courage to ask.
Transportation
- One-third discount with a National Railcard (UK trains and tube off-peak)
The Student Railcard is a valuable discount card that offers students aged 16 and above in the UK the opportunity to save on their train travel. Get it for £30 at https://www.railcard.co.uk/
With a Student Railcard, students can enjoy a fantastic one-third (1/3) discount on their rail fares throughout the year. Your National Railcard gives you discounts on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services.
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/national-railcard-discount
Textbooks and Study Materials
- Secondhand Books
Buy or borrow textbooks from secondhand bookstores, online platforms, or other students who have taken the same courses.
- Library Resources
Make full use of your university library resources, including e-books, journals, and reference materials to reduce the need for purchasing expensive books.
Entertainment and leisure
- Free Attractions
Explore the numerous free attractions and museums that London has to offer, such as the British Museum or the National Gallery.
- Budget-Friendly Activities
Discover parks, street markets, and community events that offer affordable or free leisure activities.
- Free drinks
Try to catch a free drink during the week with the Dusk app
Bonus: Beer money offers (May 2023)
- Get £20 for opening a PayPal account and spending £5 – Valid until 04/07/2023
- Open an account with Monzo (£5 bonus with this Monzo invitation link). It’s one of the easiest UK bank account to open. You do it all in the app. Then after a few weeks use your new Monzo account to collect a bank switch bonus of £175 with First Direct
- Get £5 Amazon gift card for creating a free Snoop account (budgeting app) and waiting 28 days – The account needs to be created by May 31st, 2023
- Sign up for Underpay waitlist and get a £2 sign-up bonus (takes 2 seconds, just name and email)
Last words
Living as a student in London can be a rewarding experience, and by implementing these money-saving tips, you can make the most of your time while keeping your finances in check. From finding affordable accommodation and utilizing student discounts to smart transportation choices and budget-friendly leisure activities, these strategies will help you navigate London’s bustling student life without straining your budget. With careful planning and conscious spending, you can enjoy all that London has to offer while saving money for the future.
Add in the comments your own tips to other students!