Money Wasting Mistakes you Don’t Want to Make As a Uni Fresher

The bags are packed, the accommodation is sorted and you are ready to start your new journey as a university student! This exciting new chapter in your life is just around the corner, but how can you ensure that you don’t blow your student budget within the first few weeks?! In fact, over 50% of university students run out of money before their next loan, so being able to save money where possible and not waste it is something that every student should be looking to do. But what are the biggest mistakes you can make as a fresher when it comes to money? Take a look at our infographic below, and read on to find out how to make your loan stretch by avoiding the financial pitfalls of university life and see how you can save your pennies for a rainy day. 

Always Try to Set a Budget 

Budgeting doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing to do in the world, and it probably isn’t. However, it is one of the best ways to ensure you aren’t going to run out of money when you need it most; just before the Christmas holidays. Try to set a or fortnightly budget which includes food, books, travel and leisure, as well as any bills you might have coming out. Your accommodation will usually be taken out straight away, so take that into account also when budgeting, and see if you can save more by discussing things like bills with housemates if in a shared house.
 

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

As well as reducing the stress of your uni move in day, being prepared beforehand will help you save a bundle on your student essentials. Researching and comparing the prices of necessities such as laptops, printers, clothing, stationery and kitchen equipment can help you get the best deal on everything whilst also ensuring that you don’t forget anything you desperately need. Browsing the best deals online means that you won’t be rushing around wasting cash at the last minute, and with our bargain hunters here at My Favourite Voucher Codes you can make sure you find the best deals all in one place.

Food

Taking food with you to uni can be tricky if you are living in halls or a university house, as you don’t want to fill your car or bags with items that you can get when you are there (not to mention the potential for food to go bad), but you still need to eat and stock up on food items you’ll need over the next few days. Doing a small supermarket shop beforehand is a great idea, as most supermarkets deliver straight to university halls! One such supermarket is the super affordable Asda, and using our Asda voucher codes you can get all your groceries delivered to you  You can arrange a time that’s suitable for you with a 1 hour time slot, and you’ll have all your edible essentials with you without the hassle of rushing around the supermarket or hurrying to get an order delivered as soon as possible on moving day. 

Top Money Saving Tip for Foodie Feasts 

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll likely be sharing with 2-12 people depending on which university and which halls of residence or shared house you are in. The great thing about sharing is that alongside being able to hopefully share a few kitchenware items (don’t forget to ask first though!) doing a big supermarket shop which includes everyone’s food can help you save a bundle. Get savings on multi-packs, get super cheap delivery and don’t double up on foods your flat or housemates might already have an abundance of! 

Technology

Every university study needs a decent laptop, tablet or desktop computer to see them through their studies, but this often doesn’t come cheap. From researching for your essay to handing in assignments, having reliable technology which won’t conk out on you when you need it the most is essential. Try to find the best student deals which are available at stores such as Curry’s and Argos, and always try to keep spares of the things you might need such as ink and memory sticks. Our student saving experts have found a variety of 7dayshop voucher codes which can help you save on these extras, with bargain prices on printing and computing essentials. 

Home & Kitchenware

Whether in a shared house or in halls, jazzing up your walls and making your university room feel homely is always key to helping you settle in. There are a variety of ways to jazz up your university room at a low price (or even for free!) such as adding personal touches such as photos and keepsakes, using affordable fairy lights to add some atmosphere and bringing some life into your room with house plants and flowers. As for the kitchen, thinking practically is key here; what utensils or appliances will you use? What are the people you are sharing the kitchen with bringing? What is included in the flat/house? Don’t waste valuable cash on things you might need or by getting the prettiest cutlery, and instead think practically about what you need. 

Don’t Get Caught Up In All the Excitement 

The first week or so of your new university adventure will be full of excitement; with so many new things to see and do, new people to meet and your new sense of freedom to explore. However, there are some common pitfalls which you don’t want to get caught up in that means that many freshers find themselves running out of money within the first couple of months. Here are the key things to watch out for during your first year:

• Instead of getting all of the textbooks you need from the bookshop in town, try to see if there are other options. For example, going halves on a textbook with a friend Is a great way to save a bundle of a pricey book. With our Waterstones voucher codes, you can also save an extra 80% on a variety of books when you order online (not to mention the 15% student discount!)

• Many university students find themselves running out of money partly due to the amount of partying they do within the first few weeks. Of course, freshers week and university as a whole is also about having freedom and enjoying this new part of your life, but that doesn’t have to mean you go out every night to the most expensive clubs. Many local clubs and bars can take advantage of students by selling overpriced tickets and wristbands which aren’t worth the hefty cost they come with. See which club nights are recommended by second and third years, and try not to be too hungover to your lectures the next day! 
   

Do Your Research on Student Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save and ensure you aren’t spending over the odds on anything is by checking out which stores have student discounts. From fashion stores such as New Look to online superstores such as Amazon, you can get an average of 15% off just by using your student card. 

By Emily Atkinson-Dalton, 14th September 2019