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

By:: Mamtaz
Published: 17 October 2024
Tagged under:: Cost of living; Everything Else; Student Life; Sustainability; Tips and advice

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.

University of Bradford jumpers displayed next to Fairtrade signage.

Did I hear someone say "bargain"?

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

UNiDAYS offers discounts on fashion, technology, and much more. The deals are always different and there is a great variety. To access these treats, you just need to sign up with your student email address.

Student Beans

Student Beans is very similar to UniDAYS and signing up for the platform 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

Rails of clothing in the Sports Hall, University of Bradford.

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.

Loyalty cards: rewards and benefits

Loyalty cards are a fantastic way to earn rewards and save money for future purchases.

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.

Tesco Clubcard: a Clubcard gives you access to lower prices for selected items in-store and online.
Morrisons More: you earn points on selected items and can sometimes get discounts. These points can then be redeemed for vouchers for your shopping.
Asda Rewards: you can earn money by buying certain products in-store or completing missions.
Sainsbury's Nectar: you can get lower prices on certain products and build up points which convert to money to spend in-store or with their partners.

Coffee shop rewards apps

Coffee can be great for those late-night study sessions. If you love coffee then these are certainly for you!

Costa Coffee Club: you can collect 1 'bean' (2 if you use a reusable cup) each time you buy a drink and when you have 10 beans, you get a free drink. You also get a free slice of cake on your birthday!
Starbucks Rewards: for every £1 you spend, you collect 3 'stars'. When you have 150 stars, you can redeem these for a free drink. Once you've reached 450 stars, you become a Gold member (this means you get free extra shots of espresso, syrup, whipped cream and a free drink on your birthday!
Cafe Nero: you get 1 stamp for every drink you buy (2 if using a reusable cup) and your 10th drink is free. You also get a free slice of cake on your birthday!

A student holding a cup of coffee.

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.