Smart Student Money Management Tips with Unihousing.
Managing your finances at university can be challenging; however, with the right strategies, you can stretch your budget further while still enjoying student life. Whether you’re living in a Unihousing property or planning your student accommodation, here are some valuable financial tips to help you stay on top of your expenses.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
The first step to financial success is creating a budget.
Track your monthly income (student loans, part-time jobs, or parental support)
and list essential expenses, such as:
- Rent and bills (Included within the price
of the rent at Unihousing)
- Groceries and food
- Travel and transport
- Study materials
- Social and leisure
activities
Monitor your spending and avoid unnecessary costs. Sometimes, even a simple spreadsheet with incomes and outgoings can help save the day to help ensure you are staying within budget.
2. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
As a student, you’re entitled to travel, food, tech, and
entertainment discounts. Some essential student discount platforms include:
- UNiDAYS – Discounts on
fashion, tech, and gym memberships
- TOTUM (NUS Card) – Discounts on books,
subscriptions, and retail stores
- 16–25 Railcard – Saves 1/3 on
train fares across the UK
Always ask for a student discount when shopping or dining
out—it’s surprising how many places offer them.
3. Shop Smart & Meal Prep
Eating out frequently can drain your finances. Instead, try:
- Cooking in bulk and
freezing meals
- Shopping at
budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda
- Using cashback apps like
Shopmium and CheckoutSmart for grocery savings
Unihousing accommodations come with fully fitted kitchens,
making it easier to prepare budget-friendly meals at home.
4. Find Affordable Accommodation
Living in all-inclusive student accommodation like
Unihousing helps you save money. Benefits include:
- Bills included – No
surprises or hidden costs on electricity, water, and internet costs
- Close to campus – Save
money on transport costs. Our accommodation is within easy reach of UoB.
- Furnished accommodation
– No need to buy furniture or some essential appliances. Most of our
student accommodations come equipped with a double bed, desk, chair and
storage wardrobes.
Choosing the right accommodation ensures financial stability
throughout your studies.
5. Earn Extra Income with Part-Time Work
If your studies allow it, consider taking on a part-time job
or freelance work. Some student-friendly jobs include:
- Online tutoring (e.g.,
MyTutor, Superprof)
- Retail or hospitality
jobs
- Campus ambassador roles
Paid internships are also a great way to gain experience
while earning money.
6. Be Smart with Your Transport
Save on travel costs by:
- Walking or cycling
instead of using public transport. Our accommodation is majorly based in
Selly Oak, a short walk away from UoB.
- Using student travel
passes for discounted bus and train fares.
- Carpooling or splitting
Uber fares with friends to get to that night out in central Birmingham.
With Unihousing properties located close to the University of Birmingham, you can significantly cut transport costs.
7. Make Use of Free University Resources
Your university offers plenty of free services that can help
save money:
- Library access instead
of buying expensive textbooks
- Free software &
subscriptions (check for Microsoft Office, Grammarly, or Adobe discounts)
- University career
services for job placements and advice
Taking advantage of these resources ensures you get the most
out of your education without extra costs.
8. Entertainment on a Budget
Enjoy student life without overspending:
- Free university events –
Movie nights, live music, and social gatherings
- Streaming hacks – Share
accounts with friends or use student discounts on Spotify Premium and
Netflix
- Alternative nights out – Game nights, karaoke, or Netflix marathons can be just as fun (and cheaper!)
9. Side Hustle Vibes
Got a skill? Turn that into cash. Some easy ways to earn
extra money include:
- Freelancing (writing,
graphic design, video editing)
- Selling old clothes on
Depop, Vinted or even Facebook Marketplace
- Taking online surveys or
mystery shopping
A side hustle can give you financial freedom while building valuable experience.
Budgeting as a student isn’t about missing out—it’s about making smart financial choices. By tracking your expenses, taking advantage of discounts, and choosing the right accommodation like Unihousing, you can enjoy student life in Birmingham without financial stress.
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.
