By Amberina, BSc(Hons) Forensic Science student.
Final year student, Amberina, shares her tips on managing her money at UWE Bristol. She tells us how she saves money in three key areas: money management and budgeting, technology and study resources, and socialising and leisure. Keep reading to find out more.
Continue reading “How I manage my money as a UWE Bristol student.”By Laila, BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science
Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further. Here are some helpful tips that help me to budget and save money.
Meal planning to save money
I’ve always loved cooking and really enjoy choosing what new meals to make. So, I decided to learn how to make the most out of my meals and save money by meal planning, cooking in batches and shopping smart. I try to fit meal planning into my weekly schedule. I start by looking for my inspiration on budget-friendly, ‘easy to prepare’ recipes on TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram and then I create my shopping list. When I shop, I always look for discounts and deals, and try to buy store-branded items, as you can save loads doing this.
When I’m on Frenchay Campus, I head over to the fruit and veg stall in E block and buy some ingredients there. They have loads of fruit and vegetables from local suppliers for very affordable prices. I tend to prepare larger portions to cook in batch as the leftovers serve as great future meals and can be frozen for my busier days – saving both time and money.
Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further.
The Students’ Union events
The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol host events to help you with the cost-of-living. My housemates and I went to the Students’ Union with our own containers to fill with hot food to either freeze, or eat for lunch/dinner – and this is all for free.
They also host other events like this to help students with the cost-of-living such as the ‘bring your own bag event’, where you can go along to fill your bag with lots of household items and food products – all for free.
They also offer many fun activities to do for free, which is a great way to save money and a good alternative to going out. My friends and I are going to the ‘Potheads’ workshop to make some clay plant pots, which is a fun activity to do on a budget.
Cost-effective, eco-friendly travel
When I moved to Bristol, I knew it was called a ‘cycling city’, so, when I moved into my first-year house, I bought a second-hand bike to cycle to campus. It’s not only faster than the bus or walking, but I save money on bus fares and get daily exercise that energises me for the day.
UWE Bristol also has a bike loan scheme that allows you to hire a bike for the year for free, with a £40 refundable deposit. There are some great cycling routes to take advantage of, while saving money on transport and helping the environment too.
So even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your budget and still have a great time at university.
Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.
By Jessica, BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics
Living as a student in Bristol has been an incredible adventure filled with exciting new experiences, academic growth, and valuable life lessons. Throughout my journey at the UWE Bristol, I’ve discovered how to tap into what’s on offer to make living costs more manageable. Here in this blog, I’m going to delve deeper into how I’ve been able to stretch my budget further while here. This includes everything from affordable public transport, diverse job opportunities, student discounts, and cheap eats.
Public transport discounts
Bristol’s public transport is both convenient and affordable and commuting in Bristol is easy. First Bus, the city’s primary bus operator, goes the extra mile to support students by offering discounts. Whether you’re heading to lectures, exploring Bristol’s beautiful parks, or discovering hidden gems, the bus network has become an essential part of my daily routine. Not only do the discounts make getting around more affordable, but they also encourage students like me to embrace all that Bristol has to offer.
Lots of job opportunities
Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities, making it an ideal place for students to earn while they learn. There are plenty of part-time jobs available in retail and hospitality, which is ideal to fit around your studies.
Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities.
Student discounts and benefits
As a student city, Bristol really values its students and there are so many discounts available using the TOTUM card. This student discount card opens doors to huge savings. From discounted cinema tickets to gym memberships and more, the TOTUM card has become a trusted companion for students looking for fun activities they can afford. Being able to unwind with friends at the movies or maintain a healthy lifestyle at a reduced cost supports our budget and enhances our overall university experience.
Great food at a price you can afford
Bristol’s food scene offers a tantalising mix of flavours, catering to all tastes and budgets. Among the many culinary discoveries I’ve made, one that stands out is the fruit and veg stall on Frenchay Campus. This hidden gem offers an array of fresh produce at incredibly reasonable prices, allowing students like me to maintain a healthy diet on a budget. Also UWE Bristol is great at providing a wide range of good, affordable food on campus without putting a strain on our wallets.
My time here at UWE Bristol has been unforgettable and despite the cost-of-living crisis, it is possible to have a great time and find ways to live well on a student budget.
Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.
By Opeyemi, MSc International Management student.
Our postgraduate student, Opeyemi, tells us how he’s overcome his money worries at university through the wide range of financial support on offer at UWE Bristol. He shares his top tips on how he’s managing his money during his master’s degree. Keep reading to find out more about Opeyemi’s story.
Continue reading “How I manage my money as a postgraduate student at UWE Bristol.”
