University advice: 12 budgeting and money saving tips

Hey guys~ as part of my university advice series, I'm going to share as few tips about saving money which I found helpful last year. Of course, I'm not an expert, this is just what I found helpful.

1 Budget: this could be high tech (I've heard good things about the mint app) or old school (I just wrote everything I spent in a little book) but this is probably the easiest way to stay accountable. 

2 Set a weekly/ daily spending limit and stick to it!

3 If you can, try and save up for stuff rather than getting it right away

4 Meal plan! Saves so much money

5 Buy secondhand textbooks: I saved tonnes doing this and most of my books were in really good condition

6 Get a student discount card: like uni days and NUS card. Some shops just take your uni card. Always ask if places do a student discount!

7 Get a student rail card! In the UK these are £30 for a year and get you a third off rail fares. This paid for itself after a few London to Leeds journeys. 

8 Get a cheap phone contract: buying a phone upfront and getting a cheap SIM only contract could save you money.

9 Buy less junk food/ meals out: make dinner with your friends instead!

10 Avoid the meal deal and pack your own lunch. Same with a bottle of water.

11 Bulk buying stuff can be cheaper, but compare prices per 100g of product to see what is the best value for money. 

12 Go for cheap university accommodation: I loved my accommodation even though it was the cheapest. Sharing a bathroom will hopefully save you £20 or more per week, which quickly adds up.

Do you have any money saving tips? I'd love to hear ^^ 

Check out the rest of my university advice series:
Introduction
Cooking at Uni
Uni packing list
Easy Cleaning Schedule
Making your uni room feel like home
Alcohol and socialising at Uni
Cooking at Uni part 2: meal planning, food shopping and easy recipe ideas

Thanks for reading ♪( ´▽｀)

-Amy xoxo