We all know that student accommodation can be very expensive, considering the average student budget, so we’ve put together a list of creative ways any student can soften the blow of student rent. Here’s how to afford student accommodation.
1. Track your spending
At the start of every year, work out how much money you can spend per week and track your spending every week to make sure you don’t go over budget. Keep in mind regular costs, for example, your phone bill or subscriptions and things such as nights out. This can be a great way to be aware of your spending so that you don’t get a shock when you open your bank account.
2. Group shopping
A fun, social way to save money is by buying food and cooking with your housemates. That way, you get delicious meals and get to hang out with your mates. Alternatively, you could take turns cooking each night so that if you’re busy or can’t be bothered to cook, you don’t resort to getting a takeaway.
3. Sell and buy clothes second hand
You don’t have to sacrifice your shopping habit to save money; although its a great idea to restrict extra spending, you can still shop by looking at second-hand options to satisfy your cravings. Charity shops, apps such as Depop and Vinted, vintage shops etc. can have amazing, on-trend clothes for a fraction of the price of big retailers. Whatsmore, they’re a lot more ethical too! Why not also sell your clothes to earn a bit of cash too? Apps like Vinted, Ebay and Depop make this super easy.
4. Get part-time work
Getting a flexible job in a cafe, shop, bar etc. is a great way to bring in a bit of extra cash. Normally you can find positions in and around your university or even online. A lot of people do part-time tutoring online or work as freelance typists, transcribers etc. Whatever your schedule, there’s probably some form of flexible work you can do if you’re strapped for cash.
5. Live in the less popular student areas
You may be shocked by the price difference between popular student areas and their slightly further away counterparts. It’s a good idea to check out all the options as you may find a nicer house for a lower price if you’re willing to walk that five minutes extra from campus.
6. Buy expiry date food
This may seem like a weird tip, but if you go to the supermarket at the right time, it’s a gold mine of reduced food which you can freeze to enjoy a fab meal at a fraction of the price. Other options include apps like Olio, through which locals, shops, restaurants and cafes sell meals they would otherwise throw out.
7. Don’t put the heating on all the time
This seems like a simple tip but come wintertime, it can be really hard. Make sure to layer up with cosy thermals and wrap up in blankets to fight the cold and line your pockets.
8. Sell your old uni resources
You can sell your old textbooks, your notes, and your knowledge (through tutoring) to make sure that your uni experience doesn’t just take money away from you but gives it back to you too!
9. Don’t use Circuit Laundry
@beeeboe How a broke b*tch does laundry #laundryday #fyp #portablewasher #covid19 #nycliving #savemoney #amazonfinds #cleaning #nyc #foryou
We’ve all experienced the robbery that is Circuit Laundry when living in student accommodation, but did you know there was a way around it? Savvy students have recently taken to TikTok to convert the masses to using portable washing machines instead of shelling out for Circuit. Simply shove your clothes in on the spin cycle, wring them out in your shower and hang them up to dry!
10. Share
A key way to save money is by sharing things with your housemates, and the key to this is communicating. Make sure that you don’t end up with 10 cheese graters when really you only need to buy one. This goes for cleaning products, food, subscriptions such as Netflix and much more.
We hope that these tips will help you to afford student accommodation and save some money too.
