Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Check out our top 10 picks for the best student discount apps. These will give you a wide range of available genuine discounts all through the year and save you some money.

 

UNiDAYS: UNiDAYS provides discounts for students on a vast range of products and services, including fashion, beauty, technology, and more. To get access to these discounts, you need to verify your student status using your university email address.

Student Beans: Student Beans is a popular app that provides discounts on fashion, food, technology, and more. Similar to UNiDAYS, students must verify their status to get discounts. A great way for students to save money on everyday expenses.

Too Good to Go: Too Good to Go is a free app that enables food outlets to sell excess food products at significantly reduced prices instead of throwing them away.

TOTUM: As the official student discount card of the National Union of Students, TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra) provides discounts on a range of products and services, both in-store and online.

VoucherCodes: VoucherCodes often has discounts specifically for students, but not exclusively. Discounts are available on products and services like fashion, restaurants, travel, and more.

mTicket App: This app provides discounted bus rates across National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry.

Student Hut: Student Hut is a platform that offers discounts, deals, and student advice. It provides discounts on various products and services for students in the UK.

Amazon Student: You will receive a free 6-month trial of Amazon Student when you sign up. After the trial period, you will get a 50% discount on the subscription. Enjoy access to a wide range of Amazon Prime products like free delivery, music, movies, and more!

Dusk: Dusk is an app that offers one complimentary drink every night. They provide a range of discounts, so you won't have to worry about your finances while enjoying a night out. You'll only need to worry about your hangover the next day.

Student Railcards: Student Railcards offer discounts for students to travel on trains across the UK. You'll be able to travel at reduced costs to most of your desired destinations across the UK.

All these apps will help you as a student to save money on purchases ranging from clothing and electronics to food and entertainment. It's worth checking them regularly for updated deals and discounts.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

We understand that for many students, finances can be tight and the increasing cost of living is not helping either, with the essential costs such as food, clothing and transport having become much more expensive. Students are finding it much more difficult to have enough money left over after essentials, to spend on hobbies, time with friends and going out.

But we are here to help! With careful planning and budgeting, students can live a balanced life of work and play. Here are a few tips we’ve put together to help you navigate the increasing cost of living as a university student.

Have a Budget:

You can do this by writing down all your monthly income and spending. Allocate expenditures based on priority. You might find yourself with items on your list that may not be necessary to purchase right now. You must stick to your budget if you want to see results.

Embrace Cooking: 

It is so easy to fall into the trap of eating out, but in reality, this becomes expensive when frequented. There are plenty of budget-friendly meal ideas that you can cook from home. Have a menu to follow. Not only will this be a healthy lifestyle for you, but it will also save money to spend on other essentials.  

Find a Part-time Job:

Most university study hours are flexible enough for students to take on part-time jobs. If your schedule allows, consider getting yourself a part-time job, and where possible, look for one you can learn from.

Utilise Student Discounts:

Actively look out for student discounts. They are usually available from many shops, restaurants, ticketed events, leisure and shopping platforms such as Amazon. Having your student ID with you will come in handy since this will act as proof of your status.

Walk, Cycle or Use Public Transport: 

Transport is one of those expenses that drain money from your monthly budget. Utilise the train and bus services in your area, where possible, walk or cycle. These methods are not only financially better, they are environmentally friendly and will provide many health benefits.

Find Affordable Accommodation:

Find accommodation that fits within your budget. Consider factors such as the location of the accommodation from your university, how far you are from amenities and whether the rent includes utility costs when deciding. At Unihousing, all our properties are in Selly Oak, a short journey from the University of Birmingham and utility bills are included in the rent.

Utilise Free Resources:

Take advantage of free resources offered by your university, such as library books, study materials, fitness facilities, and student support services. Borrow textbooks from the library or buy second-hand copies instead of purchasing new ones.

Seek Financial Assistance:

When completely stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to family or close friends for financial assistance. This can be in the form of a relief loan. Some universities have financial offices dedicated to helping you if you are experiencing financial hardship.

These tips should help you stay on top of your finances, leaving you less stressed and with more time to focus on your academics.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

Although finding student accommodation can seem daunting at first, the process can be exciting when you go in feeling prepared and knowing what you are looking for. When viewing properties for your university accommodation, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that they meet your needs and preferences. Here are some things to look for and the right questions to ask.

Location:

Find out if the property is conveniently located near your university, and how close it is to public transportation. This will help give you an idea of how long it would usually take to get to your lectures and other places you would need to go. Look out for grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential amenities that you may need during your stay.

Budget:

Check if the rent advertised fits within your budget. Confirm with your landlord to know if there are any additional costs, such as a security deposit or agency fees that you would have to pay on top of your rent. Knowing your budget will give you more confidence when viewing properties and will also make the final decision much easier.

Condition of the property:

Book plenty of viewings! Seeing a property in person will ensure that you can properly assess whether the space is well-maintained and in good condition. Check for any signs of dampness, leaks, damage or repairs needed in the kitchen, bathroom and common areas.

Room Size and Layout:

Make sure the room size and layout are adequate for your needs. Our accommodation at Unihousing is spacious and comes fully furnished with a double bed, a study desk and chair, and plenty of storage throughout, giving you all the essentials you will need during your time at university.

Amenities and Utilities:

Before signing any tenancy agreement, check with the landlord/lettings agent to find out what utilities are included in the rent (e.g., water, electricity, internet). Many of our student properties come with utility bills and 100Mb broadband included in the price of rent! Our properties also have heating, laminated flooring throughout and laundry facilities available on-site. Whether you have a shared or private kitchen, we ensure that all of our properties are also fully fitted with low-noise white goods and modern appliances.

Safety and Security:

Always check and test to see if the doors and windows have working locks and secure fittings. Look out for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms too. You will also want to ask whether there is a secure entrance system in place. At Unihousing, all of our properties have secure locks throughout, and many also have gated security and CCTV around the building.

Housemates and Shared Spaces:

If you intend on sharing with others, it’s crucial that you meet your potential housemates in person before you start viewing properties. Make sure you discuss shared responsibilities, expectations, location and budget. Whenever you go to a viewing, take time whether alone or together as housemates, to inspect common areas like the kitchen, living room and bathroom for cleanliness and functionality.

Read the Rent Contract:

Review the rent agreement carefully, including terms, duration and notice requirements. Be sure to ask your landlord or letting agent about how flexible the rent contract is in case you need to leave early or extend your stay beyond the agreed time.

Transportation:

Check the availability and frequency of public transportation or parking options if you have a car. Think about the convenience of your commute to the university and other places you might need to go to. Our Unihousing properties are located in Selly Oak, which is only a short walk away from the train station which links to the University and into the City Centre.

Internet and Connectivity:

Always test the Wi-Fi connection to ensure it meets your academic and personal needs. Our properties at Unihousing come with 100Mb super-fast mobile broadband.

Landlord or Property Management:

Inquire with your landlord about the process for reporting maintenance issues and how quickly they are typically resolved. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your maintenance issues will always be attended to, should you ever need them. Unihousing has a dedicated maintenance team readily available to attend to any issues that may arise.

Read References:

If possible, talk to previous tenants or read online reviews to get a sense of the property's history and reputation.

Remember that finding the right university accommodation is an important decision, and it's essential to take your time, ask questions and carefully assess your options to ensure they meet your needs and expectations before you make that big decision.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

As Christmas is fast approaching, it must already feel all festive. It is at this point that we start to realise how challenging it is to balance university work and Christmas plans. With some careful planning and time management, you can still enjoy the holiday season while meeting your academic responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you strike a balance:

Create a Schedule: Make a detailed schedule that includes your study time, deadlines, and social commitments during this holiday season. Allocate specific time blocks for studying and for Christmas-related activities. This will help you stay on top of both.

Set Realistic Goals: You, more than anyone else, know your biggest strengths and what tasks ahead of you are looking like. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don't over-commit to social events or plans. Set achievable goals for both your academic work and holiday celebrations.

Prioritize Your Tasks: Identify your most important assignments, exams, or projects that need to be completed during the holiday season. Prioritize these tasks and allocate more time to them in your schedule.

Utilize Breaks Effectively: If you have a short break between semesters, use this time wisely to catch up on assignments or study. This can help reduce the academic pressure during the holiday season.

Communicate with Lecturers: If you have important commitments during the holiday season, consider discussing these with your lecturers. They may provide extensions or alternative arrangements if you communicate your situation early.

Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination can be a major roadblock in hitting targets. You must stay disciplined and avoid putting off your academic responsibilities until the last minute.

Delegate Tasks: If you're responsible for organizing the Christmas gathering or are deeply involved, consider delegating tasks to family members or friends. This will free up more of your time for thinking and studying.

Set Boundaries: Communicate your study schedule and boundaries to your family and friends. Let them know when you'll be available for holiday events and when you need to focus on your studies.

Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected changes in your plans. Be flexible and adaptable to accommodate both your academic and holiday commitments.

Remember that balance is key. You can still enjoy the holiday season and make lasting memories while successfully managing your university work. Planning and time management are your allies in achieving this balance.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips for Having Guests in Shared Student Accommodation

Tips for Having Guests in Shared Student Accommodation

While at university, having guests in your shared accommodation can be a great way to socialize and build friendships, and also a time to catch up with family and friends if they ever wish to visit. However, it is essential to be respectful of your roommates and the rules of your landlord regarding having guests around. Here are some tips if you are wanting to have guests in your shared student accommodation:

Check The Housing Rules: Familiarize yourself with your landlord's housing policy regarding guests. Most landlords have specific guidelines regarding the number of guests allowed, visiting hours, and any registration requirements.

Communicate With Roommates: Always discuss your plans with your roommates before inviting guests over. Make sure they are comfortable with the idea and establish guidelines for having guests in the house, such as quiet hours and the maximum number of people allowed at one time.

Respect Privacy: Ensure your guests respect your roommates' personal space and boundaries. Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours, and avoid intruding on your roommates' study or sleep time.

Register Guests If Required: If your landlord requires guest registration, make sure to follow the process. This helps maintain security in the house and ensures everyone's safety.

Be A Good Host: When you have guests over, make them feel welcome and ensure they follow the rules of the accommodation. Clean up after any gatherings, and be responsible for your guests' behaviour.

Keep Common Areas Clean: If you're hosting guests in shared common areas like the lounge or kitchen, clean up any mess afterwards. This shows respect for your fellow housemates and ensures a pleasant living environment for everyone.

Limit Overnight Stays: If your landlord and housemates are cool with overnight guests, limit the number of nights and frequency to avoid disrupting your roommates' routines and to prevent potential conflicts.

Be Considerate of Quiet Hours: Most shared accommodations have set quiet hours when residents are expected to keep noise to a minimum. Ensure that your guests are aware of and adhere to these quiet hours.

Use Common Spaces for Gatherings: If possible, use common areas or designated community spaces for larger gatherings or social events to minimize the impact on roommates and other residents.

Respect Your Neighbours: Be mindful of your neighbours in nearby rooms. Keep noise levels down in hallways and shared spaces, and be considerate of others' need for quiet.

Be Aware of Cultural and Lifestyle Differences: Your roommates and neighbours may have different cultural backgrounds or lifestyles. Be respectful and understanding of these differences to maintain a harmonious living environment.

Plan Ahead: If you plan to have guests, give your roommates advance notice. This allows them to make necessary adjustments or plans if needed. Have a conversation with them to establish if this is something they are comfortable with.

Remember that maintaining a respectful and considerate living environment is crucial when having guests in shared accommodation. Open communication and courtesy towards your housemates and neighbours are essential for a positive living experience.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

International Student Tips for Adjusting to University Life in the UK – Part Two

Part One of this blog is available here

Adjusting to a new environment away from your own country, away from family and all the things you’ve known, can seem daunting at first. On the positive side, you are furthering your education and pursuing something you are passionate about that will set you up for future success. Your time at University here in the UK will be filled with plenty to do, from learning, exploring new places, and making mistakes, to going out and meeting new people. The UK is a beautiful country, so make the most of your time while you are here.

 

Below is a continuation of more tips to help you transition smoothly.

 

Language Skills: If English is not your first language, take advantage of language support services, which are usually provided by the university. Practice your language skills by interacting with native speakers, watching movies in English and reading some English books and materials provided in the library.

 

 

Healthcare and Insurance: Register with a local doctor (GP) and do some research to learn how the UK healthcare system works. Many internationals will have healthcare included during their stay at university as part of their visa application fee, so check with your doctor once you have registered to find out more about your options.

 

 

Finances: The new currency might confuse you at the start, with everything having to be converted into your home currency. Although this might seem overwhelming at first, creating a working budget will help you track and manage your expenses. The cost of living in the UK can vary significantly depending on the region. To help boost your finances, you could explore part-time job opportunities if you're eligible to work on your student visa.

 

 

Social Life: You can build your social life by joining student clubs, societies, and sports teams to meet new people who share your interests. Attending social events is also one way to get involved in the culture of your new environment to help you settle in more quickly. These are usually organised by your university or in the local community.

 

 

Travel and Exploration: Take advantage of your time in the UK to travel around and visit the neighbouring countries too. There are often student discounts available for travel, food and other things, so do your research and you will likely find some good deals.

 

 

Homesickness: It's completely normal to feel homesick at times. Stay connected with family and friends with frequent calls and messages. You can make the most of the internet and any available international call deals from various phone service providers. Try to establish a support network of friends and university staff here in the UK too, who can help support you when you need it most.

 

 

Remember, adjusting to a new country and university takes time. Be patient with yourself, stay proactive, and seek assistance whenever you need it. The UK offers a rich cultural and educational experience, and embracing the journey will lead to personal growth and unforgettable memories.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

 

Tips for Successfully Juggling Work and Studies

Finding the balance between work and studies can be very challenging. It requires a high level of dedication, discipline and focus. As a matter of fact, both are important, hence the need to juggle them effectively. Here are some tips to help you cope.

 

Make a Schedule: You need to develop a detailed schedule. This should include all your classes, work hours, study time, and personal commitments. Use available digital planning tools or even a good old notebook, diary or calendar. These will help you to stay organised and allow you to prioritise work.

Regularly Communicate with Your Employers and Lecturers: Let your employers and lecturers know you have commitments in both work and study. Maintaining clear communication can lead to flexibility and understanding. Which may lead to potential accommodations when necessary.

Stay Away from Procrastination: Pushing off tasks for later can be a setback to your success; in both work and university. This is because you will likely have a work overload when catching up with tasks you could have done earlier. Try to stay disciplined and focused on your work. This will help to prevent last-minute panics.

Set Realistic Goals: It's good practice to always set achievable short-term and long-term goals. These can be for work, university or any other things you are involved in. Break down your goals into smaller tasks and action points. This makes them more manageable and less overwhelming, allowing you to see progress.

Utilise Your Time Efficiently: Aim to maximise your productivity by using some of your downtime at work or during breaks to study or review some of your course material. You can definitely do with using your commuting time on long train journeys by listening to educational podcasts or reading up on your course materials.

Limit Work Hours if Possible: Consider reducing your working hours during peak academic periods. This can be during periods such as exam weeks or when major assignments are due. Time off would allow you time to concentrate on reading and prepare you for academic success.

Find Work-Study Balance: Create a healthy balance between your work and studies. Think hard before taking on those extra work assignments, especially if you have equally demanding studies. Taking on too much work might hurt your academic results.

Make Use of Campus Resources: Take advantage of resources offered by your university. Tutoring, study groups, and academic counselling can help manage your coursework and school assignments effectively.

Practice Self-Care: There is no doubt that balancing work and studies is sometimes overwhelming and, on some occasions, can become stressful. It's crucial to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough rest, exercise regularly, and make time for activities you enjoy.

Be Flexible and Adaptable: Working and studying requires a lot of flexibility. Some unexpected challenges may arise when you least expect it, and you may need to adjust your schedule. Flexibility and adaptability will help you handle these situations with less stress.

Consider Online Classes: If your work schedule is rigid, explore the possibility of taking some online courses. These offer flexibility in managing your work and study time.

It’s important to note that successfully juggling work and studies requires patience and perseverance. Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, and try not to be too hard on yourself if things get tough. With dedication and time, you can achieve your goals in both areas.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Here at Unihousing, we have some of the best properties all around Selly Oak with varying prices and sizes depending on whether you want solo or shared living.

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodations. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

 

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!