Category: Money

Finding part-time work

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Student living costs are at an all-time high, and in 2024, 58% of students said their maintenance loan doesn’t cover their living costs. With that in mind, you might be thinking about picking up a part-time job to help ease the pressure.

Here’s a quick guide to finding and balancing work alongside your studies:

What work can you do?

Anything you like! But if you’re looking for some ideas, here are some popular jobs among students:

  • Bar work offers flexible evening shifts that fit around lectures. However, be prepared for late nights and some challenging customers.
  • Hospitality jobs in cafes, restaurants, and hotels can be flexible around uni and may come with perks like free food. Just keep in mind the hours can be long and often involve being on your feet.
  • Retail jobs in supermarkets or shops include tasks like stocking shelves, serving customers, and working the till. They’re usually flexible and you can often get extra hours during busy periods like Christmas. Just be aware that weekend work is common and hours can vary.
  • Tutoring involves helping younger students with subjects like maths, English or science. It’s often online, so there are no travel costs, and the pay can be higher than other jobs. Just make sure you’ve got reliable internet and a quiet, private space to work from.

How do I find work?

Sort your CV – if you don’t have one yet, there are plenty of free templates online, and Save the Student has a helpful guide to writing a CV. The Careers Team here at UWE can also support you with CV writing and feedback.

Start your job search – look across a range of platforms to find part time jobs that suit you. Here are some good places to start:

Apply – make sure each application is tailored to the role. Read the job description carefully, highlight your relevant skills, and double-check for any errors before submitting. Keeping track of your applications can also help you stay organised.

Prepare for interviews – if you’re invited to an interview, research the company and be ready to talk about your experience, availability, and what makes you a good fit. The UWE Careers Team can support you with mock interviews and helpful advice.

Balancing work and study

Balancing a part-time job with your studies can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you manage:

– Be clear about the hours you’re available and check if your employer can accommodate them

– Ask if you’ll be able to take time off when needed, especially around exams

– Use a planner (digital or paper) to stay on top of your uni and work commitments

– Prioritise rest and relaxation. It’s important for your wellbeing as well as your studies

Why it’s worth it

A part-time job can bring in extra money, boost your CV and help you develop useful skills if it fits well around your studies. You could gain experience in teamwork, communication, and time management, while also building confidence and independence. The key is making sure it supports your student life, not overwhelms it.

How to not spend all your money in the first weeks of uni

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Between finding your way around your new campus, meeting new people, and navigating student life, keeping on top of your budget can easily slip down the list.

Here’s a quick guide to help you manage your money while enjoying being a UWE Bristol student!

Local supermarkets

Bigger supermarkets are usually cheaper than the smaller corner shops, so it’s worth the walk. 💡Top tip: Lidl and Aldi are usually the cheapest, followed by ASDA, then Sainsbury’s (especially if you’ve got a Nectar card). 

Below are some good options near your campus. 

Frenchay:

  • ASDA Filton Superstore – located in the Abbeywood Retail Park (15-20 min walk)
  • Lidl – located on Fox Den Road (10-15 min walk)
  • Aldi – located on Fox Den Road (roughly a 15 min walk)
  • Sainsbury’s – located on Fox Den Road (around a 15 min walk)

Glenside:

  • Lidl – located on Fishponds Road (20-25 min walk) 
  • Morrisons – located on Fishponds Road (20-25 min walk) 
  • Iceland – Channons Hill (15 min walk) 

City Campus:

  • Aldi – located on North Street (20 min walk) 
  • Sainsbury’s – located on Winterstoke Road (25 min walk) 

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.

May showing the First Bus UWE network of routes between campuses and key parts of the city.

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 🛴.

Food and drink on campus

Making your own food is always the cheapest option, but we get it, Freshers’ Week is hectic. Check out how to keep your food and drink spend low on Frenchay campus, Glenside Campus and City Campus.

And of course, if you’ve been organised and got yourself to a supermarket, here are some great student-friendly 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 build your financial confidence. Or try Savethestudent’s free money cheat sheet if you prefer a quick guide.

2. Use your student discounts

Student discounts can add up to worthwhile savings. Check TOTUM, UNiDAYS and Student Beans before buying. For travel, look at First Bus student tickets, National Express student discounts and a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard. Always compare the discounted price with other available offers rather than assuming it is automatically the cheapest. 

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 useful place to find easy, affordable ideas.

4. Travel for less

Public transport is usually cheaper than taxis. UWE Bristol students can get discounted bus fares through the First Bus app. National Express and FlixBus coaches also serve Frenchay Campus. If you travel by train, a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard gives you a third off eligible fares and may pay for itself after only a few journeys. 

5. Buy second-hand

Before buying something new, check out second-hand options. UWE’s library has textbooks you can borrow, while Biblio, AbeBooks and eBay can be useful for used books. For kitchen equipment, furniture or clothes, try charity shops, reputable resale platforms or the Sustainability Hub at Frenchay.

6. Limit subscription services

Music, streaming, gaming and app subscriptions can quietly add up. Check what you actually use and cancel anything you don’t. Look for a student plan where it offers genuine value, and check the rules before sharing any account. 

7. Check whether you need a TV licence

You need a TV Licence to watch or record live television on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer, on any device. You don’t need one if you only watch other on-demand streaming services and never watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. The rules can depend on your tenancy and where you watch, so use the official student TV Licence guidance to check your situation before paying. 

8. Avoid first-month money traps

  • Relying on convenience shops for every food shop – compare prices and plan a larger shop where practical. 
  • Ordering frequent takeaways because your kitchen is not set up – keep a few simple, low-cost meals ready for busy days. 
  • Keeping free trials and subscriptions after the introductory period – add the cancellation date to your calendar as soon as you sign up. 
  • Buying everything new before you know what you genuinely need – check what your accommodation provides, borrow where possible and buy gradually. 
  • Spending your student finance as if it were a monthly payment – work out how many weeks it needs to cover and set a weekly limit. 

9. Make the most of free or low cost events

There’s plenty happening at UWE Bristol that costs little or nothing, including workshops, socials, creative activities and wellbeing events. Check the Student Life webpages, Students’ Union website and UWE Bristol events. Many Bristol museums and galleries are also free.