Despite the Cost of Living crisis, there are many ways for students to still enjoy their time at university while being savvy with their finances. With this in mind, Ruki Heritage – Director of Student Experience – has revealed her four top tips for being efficient with money while studying:

1) Recognise the importance of budgeting. One of the top budgeting tips I’d recommend is calculating how much money you think you will need weekly and/or monthly while studying at university. On our Cost of Living Hub, found on the MyBedsLife app, you can find a handy budget planner that allows you to account for your regular outgoings including bills and food shopping. This is extremely beneficial when your student loans or grants come through and you can plan your budget and stick to it. Logging your expenditure is really important while studying as many of us regularly buy small items via contactless payments and don’t even think about the money we’re spending. When it comes to your studying essentials, you should also consider buying course textbooks from fellow students – our student Facebook group is a great place to see what your fellow students are selling. Don’t forget our on-campus libraries are also home to thousands of books that you can loan for free and friendly staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction for your course materials.

2) Getting a part-time job. Getting a part-time or weekend job is a great way to earn some extra money, gain work experience and make a new friendship circle whilst studying. The University of Bedfordshire’s Careers & Employability service has a useful page where you can find local job vacancies, as well as advice on volunteering or starting your own business. It is important, however, to ensure you get the balance right between your studying and working. Ideally, you should try to work no more than 10-15 hours per week. The University of Bedfordshire has a Financial Hardship fund which is open for all UK students to apply for and offers support to cover course and living costs that are not met by other grants; for emergency payments to cover financial crises; or to help you if you are thinking of giving up your course because of financial difficulties.

3) Researching cheap activities to do with friends. Despite rising costs, there are a number of low-cost activities you can do with friends that won’t break the bank. A good place to start could be looking at what university societies or sports teams you may be interested in joining – the University of Bedfordshire has a host of exciting activities on offer in these areas. If you’re interested in broadcasting or becoming the next podcast star, you can also volunteer with our award-winning community station Radio LaB 97.1FM to develop your presenting and producing skills. Most towns and cities will offer a range of free local activities, so it’s worth checking them out – take a look at the University of Bedfordshire’s TikTok to find inspiration for free days out near our Bedford campus! Also make sure you take advantage of all the student discounts on offer to you, including the student art pass which gives users 50% off on art exhibitions and reduced costs to art museums.

4) Seeing what university resources there are. The University of Bedfordshire has a dedicated Cost of Living Hub available via the MyBedsLife student app which gives 24/7 support and advice all in one place. It features general and financial support information, contact information for on-campus services and useful guides, such as where to find cheap meals on campus and how to make the most out of convenient – and sometimes little-known – student discounts. It also houses a number of handy tools, like a budget calculator for managing money and spending habits. Our experienced Student Money Advice Team, also offer advice drop-in sessions and budgeting workshops to support you with financial queries and issues. Telephone appointments are also available. If you’re interested in exercise and fitness, the University of Bedfordshire offers free gym membership and exercise classes to all our students and staff. We recognise that many students use exercise as a way to look after their mental and physical wellbeing so they are able to access our on-campus gyms at Luton and Bedford free of charge. You can also find out more about the scholarships and bursaries offered by the University of Bedfordshire by clicking here.

Find out more about the University of Bedfordshire’s Cost of Living Hub via the MyBedsLife app, which you can download via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

There is still time to apply to the University of Bedfordshire through Clearing and there are a range of courses still on offer for prospective students to start this academic year. Click here to find out more.