Category: Money

Keeping on top of your spending in your first first few weeks

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Starting uni is super exciting, but let’s be real, it can feel like a lot in your first week. Between finding your way around, meeting new people, and navigating student life, keeping on top of your money can easily slip down the list.

So here’s a quick guide to help you manage your budget while enjoying student life in Bristol.

Local supermarkets

Bigger supermarkets are usually cheaper than the smaller corner shops, so it’s worth the walk. Here are some good options near Frenchay Campus:

ASDA Filton Superstore – located in the Abbeywood Retail Park (between a 15-20 min walk from campus)

Sainsbury’s – located on Fox Den Road (around a 15 min walk from campus)

Lidl – also located on Fox Den Road (10-15 min walk from campus)

Aldi – brand new this June and located on Fox Den Road (roughly a 15 min walk from campus)

Top tip: Lidl and Aldi are usually the cheapest, followed by ASDA, then Sainsbury’s (especially if you’ve got a Nectar card).

Getting around Bristol

There are lots of ways to get around, but buses are usually the cheapest and easiest.

First Bus: First Bus is the main bus company in Bristol, it offers several routes connecting UWE campuses with the city centre and surrounding areas. The  First Bus app has live bus times and a journey planner. As a student, you can get discounted ticket prices on the app.

M1/M3/M4 Metrobus: Metrobus services (M1, M3, M4) are rapid routes that connect Frenchay Campus to the city centre and Cribbs Causeway. They run late too, which is perfect for getting home after a night out.

You can also hire e-scooters and e-bikes around the city which are great for quick trips and easy to use. Just download the Dott app, ensure you’re signed up for student discount, find a ride nearby, and go. More info at Travelwest.

Food and drink on campus

Making your own food is always the cheapest option, but we get it, Freshers’ Week is hectic. Here’s how to keep your food and drink spend low on campus:

Coffee

  • Greggs is the cheapest at £2 for a flat white
  • The Atrium, The Grill and Wild Kitchen are next at £2.95 for a flat white
  • Starbucks and Costa are usually the most expensive

The Fresh Fruit and Veg stall in the Undercroft offers a great selection of locally sourced produce, including organic and Fairtrade options. Prices are low, and their popular £1 bowls of fruit or veg are a student favourite.

Morrisons Daily, located right on Frenchay Campus, is handy for grabbing essentials, snacks, or a quick lunch between lectures. It’s more affordable than some smaller convenience stores and saves you the walk to the bigger supermarkets.

And of course, if you’ve been organised and got yourself to a supermarket, here are some great recipes to get you started: BBC Good Food or Mob’s Easy & Cheap Student Recipes.

Practical tips for saving money as a student

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’re feeling nervous about budgeting while you’re at uni – don’t panic! Here are some simple things you can do to save money while still making the most of everything that UWE Bristol has to offer.

1. Start with a budget

A basic budget can help you figure out where your money is going and where you might be able to save. Download the Blackbullion app (free for UWE students) for tools to help you track spending, set goals and boost your financial confidence on the go. Or check out Savethestudent’s free money cheat sheet if you prefer a quick guide to get started.

2. Use your student discounts

Student discounts can save you loads over time. A TOTUM card gives you money off food, travel, fashion, and more. You can also sign up to platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for extra discounts online. It’s worth checking before you buy, lots of places offer savings just for students.

3. Cook at home

Ordering food or eating out can be fun, but it quickly adds up. Cooking at home even a few times a week can save you money. Try planning your meals, making a shopping list, and sticking to it. Cooking in bulk or sharing food shops with friends can help too. Mob Kitchen’s student recipes are a great place to find easy, affordable ideas.

4. Travel for less

Public transport is usually cheaper than using taxis and Ubers. As a UWE student, you can get discounted bus fares through the First Bus app. If you’re heading further afield, National Express and FlixBus coaches stop right at Frenchay Campus and run to places like London. If you travel by train, a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard gives you a third off fares and it often pays for itself in just a couple of journeys.

5. Buy second-hand

Before buying something new, check out second-hand options. You might find what you need for a lot less. UWE’s library has textbooks you can borrow for free, and websites like Biblio or AbeBooks and eBay are good for buying used books. For things like kitchen gear, furniture or clothes, try Facebook Marketplace, charity shops or the Sustainability Hub at Frenchay.

6. Limit subscription services

It’s easy to forget how many subscriptions you’ve signed up for. Music, streaming and gaming services can all add up. Take a look at what you actually use and think about cancelling the ones you don’t. You can also split accounts with friends to cut the cost, and many services have student prices if you haven’t signed up with your uni email yet.

7. Make the most of free or low cost events

There’s loads going on at UWE that won’t cost you anything. From workshops and socials to creative sessions and wellbeing events, there’s always something happening. Check the Student Life webpages, the UWE SU website and the UWE events page to see what’s coming up.

If you’re exploring the city, keep an eye out for student offers at local museums, galleries and cultural venues too. Many of them are free or discounted with your student card.

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