Worried about the cost of living at university? International student Rae shares his top tips for making the most of your finances and getting the best deals.
Attending a university in a foreign land can be challenging, especially if this is your first time away from home and you have to manage your finances. There are some things that you can do which can help you save money and ensure you are always comfortable, leaving you more time to focus on your studies and less time thinking about money.
Get a student bus pass, and it is advisable to take the bus rather than travel by train if you do not mind a slightly longer journey. To pass the time, I either read a book or listen to music on my way to class. As a student at the University of Birmingham, you can get a ticket for under £50 for an entire month. Alternatively, you can also purchase a term-time ticket and the bus ticket is not just for university, but can be used to travel anywhere around Birmingham. You can purchase your ticket online and this is a great way to save money.
Please note: if you purchase a student bus pass, always have your student card on you, or alternatively, you can put your student card on the Yoti app. The revenue inspectors are very strict and the fine is £50. We want to save money, not give it away, so be cautious.
I would also say avoid taking taxis and Ubers unless it is absolutely necessary. This can raise your expenses significantly. Also, do get a student railcard, as you can save a third on your train rides, and this only costs £35. By the time you travel by train a few times, more than likely you would have already saved more than £35.
I would not say be so frugal that you never eat out, but limit yourself and cook meals for two or three days of the week, as this can save you a lot of money. Eating out in the UK can generally be costly.
When grocery shopping, do not just pick what you need, but pay attention to the prices of items. Oftentimes, one brand might be more expensive than another, while the cheaper brand is just as good and this can help keep your bill under budget. You need to be smart when shopping.
Finally, student accommodation might not be the best option. You can very easily find a nice apartment with more space for yourself and have a housemate with whom you can split the bills, which would drastically reduce your rent. So, I would say look beyond student accommodation, especially if you find someone who is reliable and trustworthy.
Save all of this money and at the end of the month, who knows, you might have some extra cash to take yourself on a vacation. Birmingham is a wonderful and affordable place to live, especially if you know how to use your student privileges.
Bonus tip: always ask if there is a student discount available. Many entertainment and cultural spaces offer this and all you have to do is show them your student card.
MA Film and Television: Research and Production
MA Film and Television: Research Production student at the University of Birmingham
