Managing your money as a student can be tough – especially given the current cost of living crisis, but there are lots of simple things you can do to save those pennies. Coming to Peel Park, Frederick Road or MediaCity for a lecture or seminar? Here are our top tips to save money when you’re on campus.

Bring your own lunch

Even with our fantastic food offers, buying your lunch on campus every day can be a more expensive option. Why not channel the nostalgia of primary school packed lunches and bring your own from home? We have lots of spaces across our three campuses with kitchen facilities including microwaves, fridges and hot water so you can heat up your food and make yourself a brew between lectures (we know those mid-afternoon coffees mount up!).

As well as kitchen facilities, these student spaces are perfect to help you chill out, study or socialise. No need to rush home after your lectures! Stick around and meet with friends, relax or get ahead of your assignments.

A group of four students laughing together

Take advantage of the Library’s resources

Academic textbooks can be expensive! No stress, we’ve got just the thing. Use Library Search to see if the textbook or other resources on your reading list are already in the Library’s archives. If they’re not, submit a request and the team will do their best to get them in stock – at no cost to you.

The Library can also help you with your studies by loaning you a laptop or by helping you develop key skills through their online courses, as well as access to LinkedIn Learning. Courses from subject experts could cost you a pretty penny so don’t miss out. Here are some of our favourites:

Outside of your studies, the Library has books in their Leisure Reading collection to help you relax and avoid those expensive bookshop hauls, as well as videos, articles and podcasts that can help you learn about current events and deep-dive into topics that interest you. So, is it time to cancel that Spotify subscription?

Join the Sports Centre

Do you have a pricey gym membership? The average cost of a gym membership in the UK is over £40 a month. We know how important exercise is for both your physical and mental health, but it doesn’t have to cost you the earth.

For as little as £14 a month, you can join our Sports Centre and access five fitness suite rooms, 30+ fitness classes a week, a 25 metre pool, six court sports hall, sports injury clinic, two grass pitches and much more. Even better, our friendly instructors can create your own free personal program tailored to suit your needs.

The Sports Centre is right here on Peel Park campus, next to University House. Next time you’re on campus for a lecture or seminar – don’t forget to pack your gym kit!

A student swimming in the Sports Centre's swimming pool

Check out our events

There’s so much to do in Salford and Manchester, but going to the cinema or out for drinks with friends can get expensive fast. Not to worry, there’s always cheap – or even free – events going on right here on campus for you to get involved in! Our teams, as well as your Students’ Union, regularly organise film nights, Give it a Go sports sessions, club nights, free days out at local attractions and more. Here’s how to find upcoming events on campus and beyond:

There you have it! Those are our top tips for saving money when you’re on campus. For more advice on how you can keep costs down while you study, check out our other money-related blogs. They can help you to lower your household bills, take advantage of student-exclusive discounts, explore Salford and Manchester on a budget and much more.