5 money-saving tips for students

Managing money is always a student priority, but our current situation has brought a unique set of challenges to the mix. These five tips will bring in the change and help you save in spite of the circumstances.

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Embrace the discount

Student discounts can be a hassle to search for, but the truth is, they really do help save cash. Whether you're splashing out on a new laptop or simply paying for a takeaway, there are a huge range of price cuts available to students to make the most of. UNIDAYS presents an abundance of student deals in an easy format, whilst the browser extension Honey scans coupons to find you the best deal whenever you check out online. Studydrive also offers a “Deals and Student Discounts in the UK” group where students can share the best offers or codes.

2. Cut down on the takeaways

Speaking of takeaways, how much money are you forking out on them each week? It can be easy to think that the closure of pubs and restaurants is saving you cash, but if you've resorted to a regular takeaway, this might not be the case. With more time than ever spent indoors there has never been a better time to experiment in the kitchen. For one, you can check out the “Recipes for Students” group on Studydrive, where students can share healthy and cost-effective meals. Or, if you really can't resist eating out, collecting your food can help cut out those sneaky - and often pricey - delivery costs.

3. Don't buy books

It's probably never been harder to physically enter UCL libraries right now. However, buying your course books at full price doesn't have to be the solution! UCL Explore has a surprisingly wide range of online titles available and you can request to be sent a scan of a physical book excerpt if the first option fails. If you still can't get hold of the book you're after, purchasing second-hand books can help save you tens of pounds, and their flaws are often minimal.

4. Go loyal

Loyalty cards, like student discounts, can sometimes seem more trouble than they are worth. However, if you find yourself constantly gravitating towards a certain shop or café, a loyalty card is a great investment to make. Product deals, free drinks, and price slashes are often available, and the cards are typically free or cheap. For tea and coffee addicts, Pret A Manger's £20 drink subscription is a particular one to note.

5. Get paid for studying

Social distancing has put many typical student jobs on hold, but Studydrive provides a way to make cash from the comfort of your home. Simply upload your homemade resources and earn money for every download. It's a great way to motivate yourself academically whilst adding weight to your wallet - and it's completely free to join!

Check out Studydrive here.