My Top Money-Saving Tips as a Student

Being a student can be expensive - especially when you're trying to make your student loan stretch to cover rent, food, nights out, and everything in between! Based on my own experience, I've picked up a few tips that have really helped me manage my money better. 

Food 

1. Plan your meals: Making a weekly meal plan has honestly saved me so much money. It stops me from buying random things at the supermarket and helps me only buy what I need. Plus, it cuts down on food waste!
2. Shop around: Don’t just stick to one supermarket. I’ve found that comparing prices between different shops can save a surprising amount. It’s worth checking out different shops to get the best deals. At Wrexham University, there are a number of different supermarkets beside campus, so comparing supermarkets is pretty easy.
3. Use your leftovers: If you’ve got food left over from a meal, don’t waste it. I often turn leftovers into lunch for the next day or something quick the day after. Every little helps.

Travel

1. Get a Railcard: Railcards can be a great way to save money when travelling using trains, saving you up to a third on most fares. You can learn more about railcards here. At Wrexham University, we have a train station right next to the campus, so getting the train (and saving money using a railcard) is a perfect way to explore nearby areas.
2. Walk or cycle when you can: Try to walk or cycle where possible - this can help to reduce taxi or fuel costs dramatically, and it’s good for you too! 
3. Share lifts: If you’re going somewhere with friends, share the journey. It’s cheaper to split travel costs, and more fun!

Saving 

1. Open a student bank account: Most student bank accounts offer a joining incentive - these can range from FREE cas h to takeaway vouchers. As well as this, student accounts can help you save money through budgeting tools and spending pots within the account to put money aside for important events like paying rent or even going on holiday.
2. Use your banking app: I’ve found that using my student banking app really helps me track where my money is going. Some apps show spending categories, which makes it easier to spot where I might be overspending.

Worried About Money?

If you’re studying at Wrexham, you don’t have to manage everything on your own. The Funding and Money Advice team are super helpful and can support you with budgeting, applying for student finance, and seeing what extra funding (like bursaries or grants) you might be eligible for.

If you want to know more about student life at Wrexham University or get budgeting tips directly from students, you can chat to one of us here! Another great way to learn more about fees and funding is by coming along to an Open Day. You’ll get to explore the campus, attend a helpful finance talk, and chat with the student support teams in person.

- Written by Matt, Physiotherapy student.