If you’re already thinking ahead about managing your finances whilst at university, then you have come to the right place. Here are some of my tips to save up money before starting university.
If you can, the best way to generate an income is to get a part-time job on the weekends. Understandably this can be a lot to handle if you also have college work to be completing, which will always be your top priority but, if you can spare a few hours to work this can give you a major head start in saving up money. Also, if you’re working for a chain business then you may be able to transfer to a store based in Salford when you live here, which can help keep your steady income alongside your studies.
Another way to make money is to sell items you no longer need. The most popular sites for this include Vinted, Depop, and eBay. Not only will this earn you some extra cash, it will clear out some space which believe me, you definitely don’t want to overpack when moving in to your student accommodation! This is also a sustainable way to help prevent the over-consumption of fast fashion!
When you do move in you’ll likely have a huge shopping list so it’d be a good idea to start your shopping early as this can spread out the costs rather than panic buying everything in bulk just before you move in. You can also spend time looking for the best deals and picking all of the best room décor to create your dream uni room!
My next tip is to plan out your expected weekly budget based on all of your expected incomes, such as your student loan, and your expected outcomes, such as rent, food shopping, and extra-curricular activities. This will help you plan out how much you should be spending each week and you can even practice staying within this limit whilst you still live at home to see how achievable it is.
Finally, this tip may not be the most exciting but to save money you need to limit any unnecessary expenses. This could include simple changes to your daily life such as meal prepping, avoiding online shopping, or going on more budget days out, but this can make a huge difference to your savings.
Another tip is to take advantage of student discounts. Many retailers and restaurants offer discounts to students. All you need is your student ID card or app to start saving on everyday purchases.
By planning ahead and adopting these habits, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your university experience.
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