10 Tips to Save $$$ as a Student!

Struggling to manage your budget this uni sem? We know how tempting it is to spend your hard-earned money on fun sweet treats and new clothes... so, here is how you can make it happen! The Unidiaries presents: 10 tips to save money as a student!  

Apply for a tertiary Myki card 

With a valid student ID you can qualify for a concession Myki . This means that you get a 50% discount on your PTV adventures, whether it be trekking to uni on a monday morning or heading for some bevvies with your friends! How to claim: head to the PTV website and fill out an application form. Note: only for students enrolled in full-time degrees. 

$5 Meals @ Unimelb Campus Canteen 

Located on 201 Grattan St, Parkville, the Campus Canteen offers $5 meals for unimelb students ($12 for staff and the public). Open from 8.30am–7.30pm Monday through Friday, the Campus Canteen is a fantastic place to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner on a budget. Cooking up a nut-free menu with gluten-free, vegan and halal options, there is something for everyone. Note: lines can get long, so plan accordingly! 

Student discounts – use them! 

Lucky for us students, there are heaps of discounts to be redeemed! Try checking out services such as UNiDAYS or Student Beans to save on all of your favourite brands. When making big purchases such as a new laptop, enquire about education prices – even the Apple Store can offer a lower price if you show your student card. However, make sure to spend responsibly and compare prices across the market, asking yourself “am I buying this because I want it, or is it just on sale?” 

Create a budget (but make it realistic) 

How to save money 101: make a budget. Yes, it is the most obvious step. But, we suggest trying to reframe your mindset around budgeting to achieve effective results. Think of it less as a restrictive framework, but more as a set of guidelines to keep spending in check, and savings up. Be realistic about what your habits with money are (even if that means allocating $ for matcha once or twice a week). Try to go easy on yourself and make goals that you can achieve. Make sure to write your budget down or use an app to help you track your spending. Try Pinterest for some cute templates. 

Check out the library 

Both online and in-person, libraries have a plethora of resources that are underrated and underutilised. You can get textbooks, computer softwares, recipes, novels and more all for free. Not to mention the free Wi-Fi so you can save on mobile data when working out of home. “Say it with me – we do not spend money on uni textbooks!” 

BYO lunch + coffee 

Try packing your own lunch and bringing a drink in a keep cup to save money at uni! We know it can become tempting to drop $20+ on lunch in one go. Instead, try making a weeks' worth of meals for that same cost. Linking back to our budgeting advice from earlier, if you allocate time and money for meal prepping, it can become a great solution. Additionally, meal prepping is often healthier than ordering out. A win-win situation! 

Participate in a research study   

There is high demand for participants needed in research studies at universities. While you might have to dedicate some effort into actively listening and following some instructions - you get compensated with vouchers/money! Also, it is fun to experience new things that you otherwise would never try. You might even uncover some fascinating results in a breakthrough study, while making some extra money! 

Underconsumption final boss  

You’ve seen it on TikTok - the underconsumption trend. Not just good for the environment, but also your wallet! Try to recycle or DIY something instead of buying new. Head to your local op shop for cheap deals while giving clothes a second life. Get creative and repurpose stuff you already have. For example, try heatless curls using socks or making your own body scrub with coffee grinds. This will save you heaps in the long run, while living a more simple and ecological lifestyle. 

Pick up a side hustle   

Try completing online surveys, babysitting or sports coaching. These side-hustles can complement your existing part-time or casual work, giving you more dough to spend. Visit local Facebook groups where you can advertise mowing lawns or building furniture. In these situations it is important to be confident and “fake it until you make it” - even if you don’t know what you are doing. Remember to plan your timetable so you can fit everything in! Identify where you have spare time and find a unique side hustle that suits you. 

Reward yourself  

You have almost made it to the end of this savings journey and are doing so well! On this note, it is important to reward yourself every once in a while so that saving money becomes an exciting task, not a dreadful one. Try to find treats that are low cost but high-reward. For example, watching a movie after a long day of work or grabbing ice cream with a friend after hitting your savings goal. Keep life fun and embrace spontaneity. 

Hopefully these 10 tips inspire you save money as a student. Remember, the world is your oyster and you can do this!