Discounts, cheap food, travel savings and ways to make your budget go further.
Managing money whilst at university can be tricky. Not all students receive the same level of financial support, so experiences and budgets can vary widely.
From discounted food and freebies to student discounts and earning extra cash, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further while you're studying. Here are some simple ways to save money at university and stretch that loan out a little further.
SU Rewards
Want to get rewarded for spending on campus? Earn points for every £1 you spend across our venues! Download SU Rewards to redeem points for money off future purchases and get exclusive discounts, including £1 pastries from The Corner after 14:30.
Food and drink
Cheap food on campus
There are plenty of budget-friendly options on campus!
From £1 porridge at The Plug, £1.50 soup and bread at Fountain Canteen, £1.50 pasta at Lime Tree.
And don’t forget about Munch Box! Bring your own container to Lime Tree, Sports Café or Pavilion Café during specific times to buy surplus food for just £3.50. Visit the Leave No Trace page for details on times!
Cheap food off campus
Check out Too Good to Go, who advertise bags of discounted food from stores and restaurants near you. Once you’ve made your order, head to the shop at the specified time to pick up a bag of tasty, discounted food!
Supermarkets
If you're regularly shopping in a supermarket, make sure you're signed up to their loyalty apps. Clubcard, Nectar, Lidl Plus and other loyalty schemes often unlock discounts and offers that aren't available to other shoppers.
Many supermarkets will discount and ‘yellow sticker’ goods that are approaching their use-by or best-before dates. The times these items get discounted will vary by store, but a good general idea is to check 1-3 hours before the store closes.
If you've got freezer space, yellow sticker items can be a great way to save money. Bread, meat, ready meals and bakery items can often be frozen and enjoyed later.
Student discounts and freebies
You will almost certainly be aware of the many student discounts available, but it's worth making sure you're getting the most out of them!
Download apps like UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM to unlock discounts on everything from food and travel to technology and clothing.
If you're paying for software or online tools, check whether they're already included through the University first. The University provides access to a range of software for students, so it's worth checking the software guide before entering your card details.
Don't forget to check out our Deals & Discounts page too, where you'll find offers from local and national brands, plus discounts available right here on campus.
Keep an eye on SU events, society socials and University activities too. Free refreshments, giveaways and discounts often pop up throughout the year.
And finally, even if a discount isn't advertised, it never hurts to ask. Many businesses, attractions and venues around Bath offer student discounts when you show a valid student ID.
Getting around
You most likely already have sorted First Bus weekly or monthly passes for getting to and from campus, so no need to explain this!
Although there is an upfront cost, 16-25 or 26-30 Railcards can justify the cost in only a few trips home! And if you’re looking to get about town quickly, students get 35% Dott e-scooters and e-bikes! To get your discount, head to dottpartners and input your university email address to receive a unique code.
Part-time jobs
If you’re struggling with money and wanting to explore options for part-time work alongside your studies, check out our Current Vacancies page. You can also sign up to receive weekly email alerts.
There are more than just traditional part-time jobs too. Keep an eye out for Student Ambassador opportunities, Open Day staffing, research participant studies and other flexible opportunities that can fit around your studies.
Budgeting guide
If you’re looking for practical budgeting advice, a great place to start is the Student Support budgeting guide. The guide discusses a range of tools, apps and podcasts which can help.
They also provide information on the Money Advice team, who can offer advice on managing money, funding and sourcing additional income.
Another tip to help make your loan last is to track spending by loan instalment dates. This helps avoid the common situation where you're struggling in the final weeks before the next loan drops! Use this super easy calculation:
Loan received ÷ days until next loan payment = daily budget
Don't struggle in silence
If money is becoming a source of stress, you're definitely not alone. Support is available, whether you need help managing your budget, finding additional income or understanding what financial support you may be entitled to.
The University's Money Advice team is a great place to start and can offer confidential advice tailored to your situation.