Let’s face it, being a student means you are basically living life on “hard mode.” You get a chunk of money three times a year and are somehow expected to make it last. Spoiler: most of us blow it in Freshers’ Week and then live off pasta until Christmas. But do not worry — here are some money tips that might just stop you from Googling “Can you survive on instant coffee and air?”

Budgeting: AKA, Do not Spend It All on Jägerbombs

Think of your loan like a giant pizza. If you eat the whole thing on the first night, you will have nothing left but regret (and maybe indigestion). Break it down into weekly slices so you do not end up living on thin air by Week 3. Apps like Monzo can even tell you when you have been a bit too friendly with Deliveroo.

Student Discounts: The Holy Grail

Never pay full price for anything. Ever. Between Unidays, Student Beans, and the mighty TOTUM card, you can get discounts on everything from food to Spotify. Always ask — the worst they can say is no (and then you know to spend your money somewhere else out of spite).

Food: Learn to Cook More Than Toast

Batch cooking is your new best mate. Pasta bake, chilli, curry — cook once, eat all week. Plus, it makes you look like you have got your life together when really you are just reheating the same meal five times. Bonus tip: the yellow-sticker section at supermarkets is basically the student equivalent of finding buried treasure.

Housing & Bills: Flatmate Politics 101

Bills can be a nightmare if you are living with “that one flatmate” who thinks the Wi-Fi is optional. Use apps like Splitwise to keep things fair and avoid awkward group chats. Also, turn off lights and unplug things. Yes, it is boring. But energy costs more than gold these days.

Banking: The Grown-Up Bit

Pick a student bank account with a decent overdraft. That overdraft will save your life at some point. Just remember: it is for emergencies, not 3am kebabs. Pro tip: have two accounts — one for boring bills and one for “fun” money. That way, you do not accidentally spend rent on bottomless brunch.

Travel: Stop Paying Full Price Like a Tourist

If you are travelling by train, get a 16–25 railcard (yes, even if you are 24 and hanging onto youth by a thread). For buses, student passes will save you loads. Or, you know, walk. It is free, and your step count will look amazing on Strava.

Work & Side Hustles: The Grind Never Stops

A part-time job can cover your weekly food shop — or at least your coffee habit. If you are not into retail or bar work, think tutoring, freelancing, or selling clothes online. That pile of “vintage” clothes under your bed? Could be beer money.

Saving: Yes, It Is Possible (Apparently)

I know “saving” sounds like a myth, but even £5 a week adds up. Round-up savings apps sneak extra pennies away without you noticing. Think of it as a secret stash for when life inevitably goes wrong (like when your laptop dies mid-assignment).

Final Thoughts

Being a student is basically juggling deadlines, social life, and money while hoping nothing catches fire. But with a bit of planning — and some yellow-sticker bargains — you will survive, maybe even thrive. And if all else fails… there is always noodles.