Starting uni is exciting — new flatmates, new independence, new nights out — but let’s be real, money disappears quickly. You’re not alone, and there are loads of easy ways to save without missing out.
Starting uni is exciting — new flatmates, new independence, new nights out — but let’s be real, money disappears quickly. Between flat takeaways, overpriced textbooks, and “just one drink” that somehow turned into a £30 night, uni can hit your bank account hard. But don’t worry — you’re not alone, and there are loads of easy ways to save without missing out.
Don’t Skip the Freebies 🍕
Before you buy lunch, it’s always worth checking the Student Union instagram stories for freebies first. I always made the mistake of filling up on overpriced meals before realising that there is nearly always something happening on campus! The SU regularly hands out free hot drinks, tote bags, pizza, and more during Welcome Week and student events.
Hold Off on Textbooks 📚
When I saw the long reading lists from my lecturers, I panicked and started adding everything to my basket. Luckily, I hesitated — and it turned out I didn’t need half of them. Some books cost £40+, and you might not even open them. Now I wait to see which ones are essential, and I use Salford’s Library Search to borrow them when I can. I’ve also found PDFs online through sites like Google Scholar, which saves a fortune.
Use Student Marketplaces 🛍️
Flatmates always seem to overbuy stuff they don’t need, which means bargains for the rest of us. Facebook groups like Salford Student Marketplace are full of cheap kitchen gear, textbooks, and clothes. I once picked up nearly-new pots for a fraction of the price I’d have paid in Tesco.
Cook in Small Batches 🧑🏽🍳
Meal prepping for a whole week sounds smart — until you’re on day five of the same pasta and can’t stand another bite. What works for me is prepping three days at a time. It’s less waste, fresher food, and I don’t get bored. If you’re stuck for ideas, TikTok and Pinterest are full of “3-day £5 meal prep” videos.
Stack Your Discounts 🪪
Everyone knows about Unidays and Student Beans, but I didn’t realise you can combine them with other offers. For example, I once used a 10% Unidays discount on ASOS and added a 15% new-customer code I’d found in my emails — double saving! Cashback sites like TopCashback also add up over time.
Pick Jobs with Perks 💰
I’ve found that some part-time jobs are better than others when it comes to student life. Places like Greggs often let staff take home food, and Boots gives staff discounts on essentials. On-campus roles are even better because you don’t waste money on travel. Working SU events or as a student content creator can fit around lectures and come with perks beyond the payslip.
Try “Too Good To Go” 🥐
One of my favourite hacks is the Too Good To Go app. You basically buy unsold food at the end of the day for a few pounds. Around campus, Pret in Mediacity and Greggs near Peel Park are lifesavers after late lectures — £3 for a bag full of food that would’ve gone to waste. If I can’t eat everything right away, I freeze what will keep so I’ve got ready-made meals waiting for those days when I’m too busy (or too broke) to cook. Less waste, more wallet.
Travel Smart Around Manchester 🚌
Transport is another place I learned to cut costs. A 16–25 railcard is a must, and if you’re with Santander, you can get it cheaper. For buses, the Unirider pass is great if you travel a lot. A friend of mine realised they were spending £25 a week just on bus tickets bought daily, when a Unirider would’ve saved them nearly half over the semester. And the Bee Network app often has local discounts, which makes commuting around Salford much cheaper.
Find a Way to Budget That Works for You 📊
I used to hate the idea of budgeting, but I realised it doesn’t have to be complicated. I love using a cute notion budget tracker (romanticising the mundane), while my friends prefer free apps like Emma or Snoop. I also follow a few finance TikTok accounts like @thatgirlfinance or @breakyourbudgetthat who make it feel less boring. The trick is just finding a method that you’ll actually stick to.
Build a Little “Deadline Fund” 💸
This is one of my favourite habits. I started saving just £3 a week into a “deadline lifeline” pot. By the end of term, I had over £150. That money came in handy for last-minute printing costs, group takeaways when coursework stress hit, and even a couple of spontaneous nights out. It made deadline season a lot less stressful.
Final Thoughts 💭
Money disappears quickly at uni, but it doesn’t have to control your experience. From freebies to smart cooking, small savings can really add up. These tips aren’t about cutting the fun — they’re about making sure you’ve got the freedom to enjoy student life without constantly worrying about your balance.
Got a hack of your own? Share it with us on instagram @salfordSU — I’m always looking for new ones!