How to save money as a student?

How to save money as a student in 2025?

Learning how to save money is a great skill that will help you a lot in life. It's really easy to spend too much, and that can make paying for college a lot more stressful.

Let´s do something and apply some practical tips on how to save money as a student.

Use student discounts

Don't forget to keep an eye out for student discounts! You can save a lot of money by taking advantage of special deals at places like restaurants, clothing stores, theme parks, museums, and movie theaters. These discounts can include cheaper meals, lower entrance fees, and exclusive student offers. Your student ID card is more than just for show – it's your ticket to these savings. Just show your student card at participating places and enjoy some great discounts on all kinds of stuff.

In this article The Complete Guide to Student Discounts in the UK you can find a lot of information about "Student Discounts UK"

---

Make a budget

Creating a budget is the first step to managing your money effectively. It helps you differentiate between needs and wants, track your spending, and allocate more money toward savings. Having a budget is essential for financial accountability and ensuring you stay on track towards your financial goals. Regularly monitoring your expenses and reviewing your finances helps you identify overspending and savings opportunities, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your budget and spending habits.

Find a part-time job

If you're looking to make some extra cash while you're in college, consider getting a part-time job. If you're an international student, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week during the school term and full-time during breaks.

Just make sure to check the rules of your visa and the requirements of the job. Another option is to look for a paid internship or work experience program to earn some money and enhance your resume.

Just make sure you have a valid contract, are being paid fairly, and double-check with your university's career services or international office.

In this article: Is getting a part-time job at uni the right choice for you? We give you some advice about it.

Read more about part-time jobs here: 10 High-Potential Part-Time Jobs for University Students in UK

Use public transport

If you often use buses, trains, or subways to get around, you might be able to get a discount if you're a student. Being a student can get you some good deals on public transportation. Not only will it save you money, but it also helps the environment by reducing pollution.

If you really want to save money, you could even consider walking or biking to school instead of using public transport.

Avoid using credit card

Oh, yes. Leave it at home. Use cash, not card!

Opting for cash over cards is another effective financial practice. While having a debit or credit card for emergencies is wise, relying solely on cards for everyday transactions can lead to overspending.

When you swipe your card, it's easy to lose sight of your spending habits since you're not physically handling the money. This detachment from the tangible exchange of cash can result in making purchases without fully considering their costs.

Using cash provides a tangible reminder of your spending limits and encourages more mindful purchasing decisions. When you physically see the money leaving your wallet, you're more likely to be conscious of your expenses and prioritize your purchases accordingly.

Additionally, using cash can help you stick to your budget and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt from credit card transactions.

More tips

• Buy secondhand books: It's no secret that textbooks are expensive, but there is a thriving used book market you can tap intoSave money on food shopping
• Buy used items, secondhand market is all over.
• Cook your own meals. Eating out can become expensive quickly. A tip: delete the food delivery apps and instead, eat the leftovers in the fridge.
• Sell items you no longer need: clothes, shoes, books, whatever is taking space in your room and you don´t need!
• Avoid credit card debt
• Buy in bulk
• Compare prices of expensive items online
• Cut unnecessary expenses
• Don't buy on impulse
• Get scholarships
• Know your habits
• Open a student bank account
• Plan your grocery shop
• Reduce the frequency of dining out
• Use campus amenities
• Use Coupons