saving money while you're at uni: how to grab a bargain

From student discounts to shopping in sales, Mamtaz has put together a list of ways you can grab yourself a bargain as a university student.

As students, when we are already somewhat money-strapped, a bargain is an oasis. As a second-year LLB (Hons) Law student, I know exactly how it feels when you have to pinch every penny to stay within a tight budget.
Whether you love finding a bargain, are on a tight budget, or are just someone looking for a good deal, this blog offers you everything.

Student discounts: unlocking hidden gems
As students, we can access discounts across a lot of major products and services. We are lucky that retailers understand the pain of being on a tight budget. There are many different platforms that you can use to access these discounts:
UNiDays: offers discounts on fashion, technology and much more. The deals are always different and there is a great variety . To access, you just need to sign up with your student email address.
Student Beans: very similar to UNiDays and signing up is just as easy. Like other student discount apps, it exclusively provides students with deals and discounts, especially those tailored to them and their university life.
University IDs: another way to unlock student discounts is with your University ID badge. Many stores and restaurants offer discounts for students even if the offers aren't advertised - sometimes, all you need to do is ask!

Buying second hand: a sustainable way of budgeting
Sometimes, we can find ourselves being hesitant about buying pre-loved and second-hand clothing. However, we should not be scared as it can be a great way to save money. Here are some great platforms that I have personally used that are wallet-friendly and trustworthy:
Vinted: Vinted is a fantastic platform for selling and buying second-hand clothes or items. The prices are much lower than you would pay in the shop and the app is simple to use for both the buyer and the seller. This means it's also a good way to earn a bit of extra cash.
Depop: Depop is another great platform for buying and selling second-hand, vintage clothing and accessories. There is so much variety and there is sure to be something to fit everyone's style.
Facebook Marketplace: Facebook has been around for a long time and so has Facebook Marketplace. This makes it easy to find a local bargain. Since it is one of the most used social media platforms, there are endless items and bargains to choose from.

Supermarket Loyalty cards/schemes
Most supermarkets offer loyalty programmes for their customers and they can be a great way to save on your shopping. I always keep an eye on supermarket offers and shop around to get the best deals. It's worth signing up for all of the loyalty schemes as they all offer different things.

Coffee shop reward apps
Coffee can be great for those late-night study sessions. If you love coffee then these are certainly for you! Costa Coffee Club, Starbucks Rewards and Cafe Nero are just some examples.

Strategies to save money: sale shopping
Having choices is as overwhelming as having none. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the sales rather than be overwhelmed.
Plan ahead: Before you leave for shopping, ensure you have made a list of what you need. This will help to avoid those impulse buys as you have a clear vision of everything you require.
End-of-season sales: The best time to shop is during the end-of-season sales, as many items are more than half-price. It's a great time to grab a bargain.
Online alerts: Sign up for stores and shopping apps to be notified when your favourite store's sales are going on.

Speak to our Student Life Team for impartial money advice and guidance.