Hey!
I started uni 3 days ago and I am already tired. Yes I know... But that's a different topic. The point is that since I started uni, it has been a challenge for me to save money. It is even harder when you get maintenance grant which I believe our academic year is the last year that will receive this facility. So, here I have for you some tips and tricks to save money! Here we go!
1. Transport
Do not use day tickets with no oyster or if you have an oyster then do not use top up system. If you are a student, make sure you have a zip card for under 18 or a 18+. Not only that but make sure you have a weekly or monthly pass, depending on which one fits you better. In my opinion, if you have lessons for almost every day of the week then get the monthly pass because you will not have lessons every month and weekly is a hassle.
2. Food
Try to avoid to buy fast food or eat on the go. This is no.1 expensive and no.2 unhealthy. Try to have a meal preplanned so you do not need to buy food outside and we know how expensive food can be in Zone 1 areas if that is where your school, college or university is. If you live with your parents, it is better! Go grocery shopping with them every once in a while and that way you can get some food for yourself as you are not having to pay for it 😅. Get some food and snacks for yourself so you can get through the week and you will also see that going grocery shopping is quite therapeutic and an excuse to take a breather from studies or work. You can also be creative and do your own cooking as for someone who loves cooking like me, this is a win-win situation.
Sometimes we go out to eat with our friends and we get a bit carried away by seeing the menu and seeing what our friends are ordering. We end up ordering way too much food and after 2 bites we are full. Be realistic and order what you will actually be eating. If you are confused order a starter and then decide from there if it is enough or not.
3. Shopping
Well! I hope you know where I'm going to go with this... Me being someone who loves shopping and commutes to uni almost everyday which is located in damn OXFORD CIRCUS, I am going to be tempted to go and get myself something. Even this morning before the lecture I went and bought myself a lipstick and a lip liner convincing myself that "I need it". Don't do that. (This also goes to me too if course). Have a bit of self control. Again, be realistic and only buy it if you really need it. I know it's not possible to not buy anything. If that's the case then make sure to make use of you being a student. So many stores have student discount and if you think about it, it saves a lot of money. Also, things are cheaper online and the best thing is that you don't have to spend so much time outside looking for what you want because you can do that with online shopping and it is delivered to you at home.
4. Books and educational supplies
Do not buy books at the start of the year. They are really expensive and you don't need it at the end of the year and they are really hard to sell. I suggest you give it some time first and understand your course. A lot of times they will have ebooks for you absolutely free or you can always borrow from your uni library also for free. Basically don't buy books because that's a dumb choice unless your teacher/ lecturer tells you to do so. You can save money by making notes on your digital device and this will also mean that you are helping the environment by not wasting paper. However, this is a totally personal choice as some people learn better by writing it down in paper rather than digitally. You can also use any supplies you have spare at home from previous years. It's a good way to clear the house and NO NEED TO BUY NEW FANCY PENS EVERY YEAR! Use what you already have.
It is okay to try to save money but it is not okay to become a total stingy brat. Don't become stingy in the process of trying so save money.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it was helpful. Make sure to check back every Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Take care,
Yours, Nafiza
I started uni 3 days ago and I am already tired. Yes I know... But that's a different topic. The point is that since I started uni, it has been a challenge for me to save money. It is even harder when you get maintenance grant which I believe our academic year is the last year that will receive this facility. So, here I have for you some tips and tricks to save money! Here we go!
1. Transport
Do not use day tickets with no oyster or if you have an oyster then do not use top up system. If you are a student, make sure you have a zip card for under 18 or a 18+. Not only that but make sure you have a weekly or monthly pass, depending on which one fits you better. In my opinion, if you have lessons for almost every day of the week then get the monthly pass because you will not have lessons every month and weekly is a hassle.
2. Food
Try to avoid to buy fast food or eat on the go. This is no.1 expensive and no.2 unhealthy. Try to have a meal preplanned so you do not need to buy food outside and we know how expensive food can be in Zone 1 areas if that is where your school, college or university is. If you live with your parents, it is better! Go grocery shopping with them every once in a while and that way you can get some food for yourself as you are not having to pay for it 😅. Get some food and snacks for yourself so you can get through the week and you will also see that going grocery shopping is quite therapeutic and an excuse to take a breather from studies or work. You can also be creative and do your own cooking as for someone who loves cooking like me, this is a win-win situation.
Sometimes we go out to eat with our friends and we get a bit carried away by seeing the menu and seeing what our friends are ordering. We end up ordering way too much food and after 2 bites we are full. Be realistic and order what you will actually be eating. If you are confused order a starter and then decide from there if it is enough or not.
3. Shopping
Well! I hope you know where I'm going to go with this... Me being someone who loves shopping and commutes to uni almost everyday which is located in damn OXFORD CIRCUS, I am going to be tempted to go and get myself something. Even this morning before the lecture I went and bought myself a lipstick and a lip liner convincing myself that "I need it". Don't do that. (This also goes to me too if course). Have a bit of self control. Again, be realistic and only buy it if you really need it. I know it's not possible to not buy anything. If that's the case then make sure to make use of you being a student. So many stores have student discount and if you think about it, it saves a lot of money. Also, things are cheaper online and the best thing is that you don't have to spend so much time outside looking for what you want because you can do that with online shopping and it is delivered to you at home.
4. Books and educational supplies
Do not buy books at the start of the year. They are really expensive and you don't need it at the end of the year and they are really hard to sell. I suggest you give it some time first and understand your course. A lot of times they will have ebooks for you absolutely free or you can always borrow from your uni library also for free. Basically don't buy books because that's a dumb choice unless your teacher/ lecturer tells you to do so. You can save money by making notes on your digital device and this will also mean that you are helping the environment by not wasting paper. However, this is a totally personal choice as some people learn better by writing it down in paper rather than digitally. You can also use any supplies you have spare at home from previous years. It's a good way to clear the house and NO NEED TO BUY NEW FANCY PENS EVERY YEAR! Use what you already have.
It is okay to try to save money but it is not okay to become a total stingy brat. Don't become stingy in the process of trying so save money.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it was helpful. Make sure to check back every Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Take care,
Yours, Nafiza
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