Budget plan for students

University life is exciting, but let’s face it—budgeting can be tricky, whether you're new to living on your own or just looking for smarter ways to manage your money. Having a solid budget plan for students is essential. At Scape, we understand that every penny counts. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to help you navigate the cost of living at university and take control of your expenses without missing out on the fun.  

Know your expenses 

Before you can build a practical budget plan, you need a clear picture of your monthly costs. Understanding your spending habits helps you set realistic limits and avoid nasty surprises mid-month. Here's a breakdown of typical living expenses at university that you should keep an eye on.

These are your non-negotiable costs — they usually stay the same each month and are top priority:  

• Rent is likely your biggest expense. If you're staying at Scape, your rent covers more than just the room—it includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to communal areas, which helps simplify budgeting.  

• Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, and internet, though again, Scape covers these in one fee!  

• Mobile phone bill: Consider switching to a SIM-only plan or a student-friendly provider.  

• Transport: Factor in travel cards (like an Oyster), cycling costs.  

Make a realistic budget  

Once you’ve figured out your monthly living expenses at university, the next step is to create a budget you can stick to. A good student budget plan isn’t about cutting out all fun — it’s about knowing your limits and making intentional spending choices.  

Knowing how much you have coming in helps you plan what’s available each month. Use tools to stay on track: you don’t need to be a maths genius to budget. Try a simple budgeting spreadsheet for students, or use apps like:  

• Monzo: Lets you create “pots” for each category  

• Emma or Money Dashboard: Track subscriptions and spending  

• Google Sheets: Easy to customise for your plan  

Download or create a monthly tracker that logs both budgeted and actual spending. This will help you spot problem areas quickly. 

Your budget isn’t set in stone—review it monthly and adjust if needed. Did you overspend on takeaways last month? Maybe you cut back on transport if you’re walking more. It’s all about finding the right balance.  

Shop smart & eat cheap  

Food is one of the most significant living expenses at university, but the good news is, it’s also one of the easiest places to save. With some planning and savvy shopping, you can eat well without spending a fortune.  

Grocery shopping on a budget  

 Here are a few tips to keep your food shop affordable:  

• Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Asda. Their own-brand products are often just as good (and way cheaper).  

• Make a list before you shop and stick to it — avoid impulse buys!  

• Buy in bulk for staple items like rice, pasta, oats, and canned goods — it’s cheaper in the long run.

• Go late in the day — many supermarkets reduce prices on fresh food nearing its sell-by date (look out for yellow stickers!).  

  Cooking at home is not only cheaper but also healthier. Here are a few easy and cheap meals for students that are wallet-friendly and don’t require a chef’s degree:  

Stir-fried noodles with frozen veggies and soy sauce. One-pan pasta with tomato sauce and chopped veggies. Rice and beans with spices, salsa, and cheese.Jacket potatoes with baked beans, tuna, or coleslaw. Omelette with leftover veg and cheese. Frozen mixed veg + noodles/rice — fast, cheap, and nutritious. Cooking in batches and freezing portions is a game-changer. One hour of prep can give you meals for the entire week! Food is fuel, but it doesn’t have to burn through your budget. A little planning goes a long way. Shopping smart and cooking simple meals can dramatically lower your monthly costs, leaving you with more money for social life, savings, or even a cheeky treat!  

Tips on saving money as a student  

Being a student doesn't mean you have to live off toast and instant noodles — unless you want to! With clever planning and conscious choices, you can enjoy your uni life while saving money as a student. Here are tried-and-tested tips to stretch your pounds a little further. 

One of the best parts about being a student? Discounts!  

• Sign up for UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM – they offer deals on food, fashion, tech, travel, and more.  

• Many high street brands, restaurants, and services provide a 10–20% student discount — always ask!  

• Get a 16–25 Railcard if you travel often by train — it saves you 1/3 off fares and pays for itself after a few trips.  

💡 Pro Tip: Some subscription services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Prime, offer student rates—don’t pay full price!  

Buy second-hand or rent what you need   

• Look for second-hand textbooks online or in university groups  

• Explore charity shops or Facebook Marketplace for furniture and homeware  

Set a weekly spending limit.  

Instead of thinking monthly, break it down week by week — it’s easier to manage and helps prevent overspending early in the month.  

Using budgeting spreadsheet 

Budgeting might sound boring, but trust us — it’s the ultimate power move when managing the cost of living at university. A student budgeting spreadsheet helps you track where your money goes, spot bad spending habits, and plan confidently.  

Why use a spreadsheet?  

Think of your budget like a financial dashboard — it shows your income, if you have one, expenses, and savings all in one place. A good budgeting spreadsheet can help you:  

• Monitor your weekly or monthly spending  

• Avoid overspending  

• Plan for future expenses (like trips home or big purchases)  

• Identify areas to cut back  

• Track your savings goals  

Even if you’re not a spreadsheet whiz, using a basic template is a game-changer  

 Prefer Apps instead?  

Not a fan of spreadsheets? No problem — there are budgeting apps designed for students: 

• You Need a Budget (YNAB) – More advanced, great for long-term financial planning  

• Money Dashboard – Links to your bank and categorises your expenses   

Side hustles for students to earn extra cash  

When your student loan doesn’t stretch far enough and your living expenses at university keep increasing, a side hustle can be a brilliant way to top up your income, without interfering too much with your studies.  

Freelancing Online  

 If you’ve got skills in writing, graphic design, coding, video editing, or even social media, you can offer your services online:  

• Platforms to try: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour  

• In-demand services: CV/resume writing, translation, Canva design, tutoring, content creation  

Tutoring other students  

Good at maths, science, English, or even another language? Peer tutoring is always in demand, and you can charge £10–£30 per hour depending on your subject and level.  

• Platforms: Superprof, MyTutor, or advertise on university forums  

• Offer help to younger students or classmates who need support  

 Content Creation  

 If you’re creative and consistent, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube can generate income through:  

• Brand collaborations  

• Affiliate marketing  

• Ad revenue (once you gain traction)  

Part-time job with flexible hours  

Some traditional jobs still work well for students if you find the right fit:  

• Campus roles: barista, library assistant, campus tour guide  

• Retail shifts: ideal for evenings or weekends

Free & low-cost student entertainment ideas  

University life isn’t just about studying—you deserve fun without overspending. There are many ways to unwind, socialise, and explore your city without spending a fortune, especially if you're mindful of your budget. Here are some great ideas to maximise student life on a shoestring.  

Free or cheap movie nights  

• Student cinema discounts are available at most major chains (ODEON, Vue, Cineworld).  

• Many universities and student unions host free movie nights on campus.  

  Cultural fun without the cost  

• Use your student ID for discounted or free entry to museums, galleries, and cultural sites.  

• In London, many museums (like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum) are entirely free.  

Game nights   

• Organise board game nights, quiz nights, cooking contests, and communal space.  

• Ask your accommodation team if they host regular events. At Scape, we frequently run social events, workshops, and activities for residents at no extra cost.  

Explore the city on a budget.  

• Use your student travel card or 16–25 Railcard to explore nearby cities or hidden gems.  

• Walk or cycle around your neighbourhood — many students at Scape love exploring nearby parks, canals, markets, and local landmarks.  

• Download local walking tour apps or join free guided tours.  

Join student societies   

• Most universities offer hundreds of clubs and societies — from sports and debating to film, gaming, and cooking.  

• Membership is often free or very low-cost.  

• A great way to make friends, explore your interests, and save money on entertainment.  

Textbook hacks: How to save hundreds on course materials  

Let’s face it — textbooks can be costly. When you're already juggling rent, groceries, and social life on a student budget, dropping £50–£100 per book feels like daylight robbery. But good news: plenty of ways to cut textbook costs without compromising your studies.  

Go digital first  

• Check if your university library offers free eBook access to your required reading list — most do!  

• Use platforms like Google Books, Project Gutenberg, or Open Library to find free academic resources.  

 Buy second-hand or rent  

Why buy brand new when the second-hand version is just as good?  

• Check Facebook Marketplace, university forums, or apps like Depop, eBay, and Amazon Marketplace.   

Share with a study buddy  

• Team up with a classmate or flatmate and split the cost of a pricey textbook.  

• Take turns using the book, or scan key pages for personal study (always check copyright rules).  

• Form a study group and share access with a few people.  

Make the most of your uni library

• Use your university’s short-loan system — reserve textbooks for 24–48 hours.  

• Scan or photocopy key chapters (usually within fair use limits) for future reference.  

• Some libraries even loan physical copies for the full term — reserve early!  

Transportation savings for campus life  

Whether you’re in London or elsewhere in the UK, student discounts on public transport can save you hundreds per year:  

• 16–25 Railcard: Get 1/3 off most train fares across the UK. This card is perfect for weekend getaways or heading home during term breaks.  

• 18+ Student Oyster Photocard (London): Save 30% on weekly/monthly travelcards for buses, tubes, and trains.

Walk or cycle whenever you can  

• If you live in Scape student accommodation, your campus is likely just a short walk or bike ride away.  

• Invest in a second-hand bike or use local rental schemes like Santander Cycles (London)—they’re free for short journeys and much cheaper than daily travelcards.  

• Walking or cycling not only saves money, but it’s a great way to get some exercise and explore your neighbourhood.  

Use of Free uni shuttle buses  

• Many universities run free shuttle buses between campuses, lecture halls, libraries, and student accommodation.  

• Check your uni’s website or app to see if you can hop on for free — it’s often an underused perk!  

Use transport apps to plan smart.  

• Download Citymapper, Google Maps, or Trainline to find the cheapest and quickest routes around town.  

• Set alerts for fare drops, off-peak discounts, and travel disruptions — so you’re not caught off guard or stuck paying more.  

Choose cost-effective accommodation  

One of the most significant contributors to your overall university cost is accommodation. Choosing a place that balances affordability, convenience, and understanding what you’re paying for.Not all accommodation is created equal. While some options may appear cheaper upfront, they often come with hidden costs like utility bills, furniture, or unreliable internet. Before signing any lease, compare:  

• Monthly rent  

• What's included in the rent (Wi-Fi, heating, electricity, water, contents insurance)  

• Commute costs to campus and local amenities  

• Facilities and security (24/7 staff, laundry, gym, study spaces, etc.)  

💡 Pro tip: At Scape we offer all-inclusive rent, so you don’t need to stress about extra bills or unexpected costs each month.  

Compare different types of student housing  

Here are your main options — each with its pros and cons:  

• University halls: Great for first years, usually located on campus. Bills may or may not be included.  

• Private student accommodation (like Scape): All-inclusive, modern, purpose-built, and designed for student life.  

• Shared houses/flats: Often cheaper monthly rent, but bills are separate, and conditions vary widely.  

 Scape: A wise Student Investment  

 Scape accommodation is built around students' needs — from our fully furnished studios to on-site gyms, study areas, and all-in rent packages. Plus, locations close to major universities save you time and transport costs daily.  

Living at Scape means one monthly payment and everything’s sorted. No surprise bills, and way more time to focus on uni and social life.