HOW TO:
SAVE MONEY AS A STUDENT
Getting your Student Loan is always exciting, and it is tempting to get a bit reckless! We suggest setting money aside for the following priorities:
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rent
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bills (gas, electric, phone. etc.)
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groceries
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travel
Once you have put these aside, you can manage the remainder of the money for socialising, clothes, takeaway etc. Being responsible doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy, just remember to be careful!
For many degrees, there is usually a requirement to buy textbooks that are mandatory for specific modules. However, they can be very expensive! Instead… check the Library! Libraries tend to have multiple copies of mandatory textbooks which they can loan out long term - these can go quickly so it is recommended to contact the Library and get access to those textbooks as soon as possible! Alternatively, you can search for online copies of your textbooks at www.sussex.ac.uk/library
On average, students may spend around £20 a week on food shopping (this can vary, especially depending on where you shop). £20 might not sound like much, but some supermarkets (such as Aldi) allow you to get more for your money. There are 2 Aldis in the local Brighton area; one on Lewes Road, the other on London Road
Additional tips: Try and plan your meals. This way you don’t overspend on food by ordering take out. Learn to cook some simple meals! This could be pasta to chicken and rice - it’s nutritious and saves a lot! Remember - all the small things add up.
One of the best things about being a student is all the deals and discounts we get access to - this will definitely help you save some money. For example, Spotify offers students a 50% discount! Unidays, Student Beans and TOTUM are all excellent services to help you access a variety of discounts.
Also, be sure to make use of the 16-25 Railcard for 1/3 off train travel across the UK!
If you drink on a night out, you should probably be made aware that drinks at clubs can be very pricey…
An alternative we recommend is to have pre-drinks! Pre’s before a night out is a better way to have a few drinks, chat with your friends and listen to your favourite tunes without the expensive prices of your local bar or club.
Transport is very important to consider when it comes to expenses. Options such as driving or even calling an Uber/taxis can be very convenient but this is quite costly.
Walking, taking the bus or cycling are all cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative ways to travel to University as well as around the city.
For bus travel around the city, we recommend the Brighton & Hove Buses app on the Apple and Google Play Stores.