Studying in London doesn’t have to mean overspending. With a few smart habits and helpful discounts, you can stretch your budget and still enjoy the best of the city. Here, our students share their top tips for making money go further at Westminster.
Managing finances can be difficult, but planning strategically helps and goes a long way:
- Cut down on costs – Make sure to cut down on costs that seem unnecessary, like buying a coffee on the way to university or work every day or buying things that aren’t needed but look appealing. Cook at home whenever possible and embrace free entertainment like picnics at Hyde Park or strolling around beautiful neighbourhoods. Getting around on foot or using public transport keeps costs low.
- Spend wisely – But at the same time, it doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy life or celebrate the small and big wins or treat yourself for overcoming a bad day. London offers a whirlwind of excitement, but living large in this city means spending wisely.
- Save for travel – If you like travelling, you can create a “travel fund” for yourself where every month you put some money aside, so when the time comes, you can go on a vacation without worrying about finances.
- Live Smart in London – You only live once, so if you’ve got the chance to call London home, go ahead and live it up. Just remember to indulge smartly.
Living in London can be an amazing experience, but it can also be a little pricey if you’re not careful. Here are some tips I’ve found really helpful for keeping costs down while still enjoying everything the city has to offer:
- Travel smart – Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster card for 30% off TFL travel. A railcard can also be a great addition if you travel outside London. If your destination isn’t far, try walking or cycling – it’s free, healthy, and a great way to explore.
- Shop savvy – For groceries, places like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda are much more budget-friendly than M&S or Waitrose.
- Make the most of free resources – Before buying books or course materials, check what’s available through the University library or free e-book collections. You might be surprised how much you can access without spending money.
- Grab student discounts – Apps like UniDAYS are packed with offers for food, clothes, tech, and more.
- Open a student bank account – Many offer great perks like a free railcard or other incentives, which can save you money in the long run.