Written by Chloe Debono
As university students, we all understand the financial pressure that comes with studying. As a 4th-year Occupational Therapy student, I have spent the last few years finding the best hacks, discounts and budgeting tips to help stretch my money further. Here are some of my favourite ways to save money while still enjoying student life.
Grocery shopping:
- Compare the price per kilogram rather than just the shelf price. A product that looks more expensive may actually be better value.
- Buy in bulk for items you use regularly.
- Plan your meals before shopping and stick to a grocery list to avoid impulse purchases.
- Try Click & Collect when grocery shopping. Ordering online makes it much easier to stay within your budget.
- Wait for expensive essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and laundry products to go on sale. Different supermarkets often rotate their specials, so it’s worth comparing prices.
Take advantage of price matching:
This is a recently discovered hack, and let me say, I love it! It has already saved me so much money.
Stores where you can find this offer include:
- Officeworks
- Chemist Warehouse (plus an additional 10% off)
- JB HI-FI
If you find an identical product advertised cheaper somewhere else, ask if they’ll match the price before purchasing.
Signing up for Student Discounts:
There are plenty of student discount programs that are free to join, including:
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
- Student Edge
It is worth checking the stores prior to purchasing an item. You might be surprised by how much you can save.
Finding Side Hustles:
Look for small opportunities to earn extra income. For example, writing this blog allowed me to earn an additional $75.
Other opportunities include:
- Tutoring
- Casual work
Planning your weekly budget:
I like to set out how I spend my weekly income. I usually put money aside for rent, food, and fuel, plus an extra $50-$100 for other activities. I put the rest in my savings. This allows me to avoid overspending.
Being careful with buy now pay later:
Services like Afterpay can be tempting, but they can make it easy to overspend and continually add to your debt. If possible, save up for purchases instead.
Buy second-hand:
Facebook Marketplace is your best friend. You can find some really good deals on there, including second-hand textbooks, placement clothing, and general daily items such as furniture and clothing. Buying second-hand is great to save money and help the planet at the same time.
Checking for concession pricing:
When going to places such as the movies, museums, the zoo, or other tourist attractions, always ask if there is a student concession or discount available. You might be surprised by how many places offer this discount!
Weekly Specials:
Most pubs offer weeknight specials, so keep an eye out for these so you can still enjoy eating out without the financial stress.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
