Studying is tough enough without money stress. But the good news is that small changes add up fast.
Below you can apply 10 easy and practical ways to save money as a student — written for students who want simple and actionable steps, not fluff.
So let's dive right in!
1. Make a simple budget and track it
Start with the basics, list your monthly income (allowance, job, grants) and fixed costs (e.g. rent, bills or subscriptions).
Then estimate variable spending (food, nights out, transport). You can also use a free spreadsheet or an app to track what you actually spend for one month — that will show you, where cuts will help most.
Action: Set one spending limit (e.g. for food or takeout) and stick to it for at least two weeks.
2. Use student discounts, everywhere
Many brands, streaming services, travel providers, and software companies sometimes offer student pricing. Always check if a “student” option or a university portal exists before you pay full price.
Action: When you are buying software, clothes, or booking travel tickets, look for a student option or ask if a student discount exist!
3. Cut subscription costs
Subscriptions add up quickly. Audit yours right now and cancel unused services, downgrade plans, or share family/household plans with your roommates. For streaming, rotate services rather than keeping them all.
Action: Write a list of all recurring payments and cancel or pause the bottom 2–3 you use least.
4. Cook more, and batch cook
Eating out is expensive. Try to learn a few easy recipes, buy staples in bulk, and batch cook meals to freeze. A little meal prep saves time and cash.
Action: Cook one large meal on Sunday that gives you lunches/dinners for 3–4 days.
5. Buy secondhand stuff
Textbooks, kitchenware, and furniture are often much cheaper secondhand. Check out campus noticeboards, student Facebook groups, local thrift stores or online marketplaces.
Action: Before buying a new book, search for secondhand copies or shared PDFs through your university resources.
6. Try cheaper transport options
Walking, cycling, and public transport passes are usually cheaper than daily rideshares or owning a car. Many cities offer discounted student passes.
Action: Calculate your monthly transport costs; if a monthly pass is cheaper than pay-as-you-go, switch right now!
7. Choose affordable student accommodation
Student housing is usually the biggest expense. Try to compare options such as private student halls, shared flats, or university dorms. You can also consider utilities included, commute time, and hidden fees. Splitting bills with reliable roommates can drop monthly costs significantly.
Action: When looking for student accommodation, make a simple checklist (rent, bills included, deposit, commute time) and compare at least three places.
8. Use campus resources and free events
Universities often run free or low-cost activities — workshops, communities, sports, and cultural events. Many campuses also offer affordable health services, printing credits, and discounts for local businesses.
9. Earn a bit on the side
A flexible part-time job, tutoring, or freelancing can ease money pressure. Choose work that fits your study schedule so grades don’t suffer. Micro-gigs and campus jobs are often student-friendly.
Action: Apply for one campus job or list one tutoring skill you can offer in a local student group.
10. Build a small emergency fund
Even a tiny emergency fund (€200–€500) removes stress when unexpected costs appear. If your bank supports it, set up an automatic weekly transfer of a few euros into a savings account — you’ll hardly notice it but it adds up soon!
Action: Start with €5–€10 per week transferred automatically to a separate savings account.
