Being an international student in the UK means one thing: you are broke. Okay, maybe not broke, but the student life budget is always tight. . Between tuition fees, rent, and trying to make a sandwich that doesn’t taste like cardboard, managing finances is a full-time job in itself. But don’t worry, I’ve learned some tricks and made a few hilarious mistakes along the way. So, let’s talk about how I barely stay afloat while still managing to look somewhat fashionable.
Food: The Struggle to Eat Well Without Going Broke
Meal Planning (aka Avoiding Instant Noodles Every Day) is my best friend. As much as I love instant noodles (I really do), they can’t be the only thing on my plate. Meal planning is key. I plan my meals like I’m some kind of chef, and then I usually end up eating the same thing for three days straight—but hey, at least I saved money, LOL. Batch cooking is my second best friend. I cook one big pot of food and hope that it’ll stretch for the entire week.
African Grocery Stores? Only When Absolutely Necessary. Okay, I still love my local African grocery store for those moments when I need a taste of home. But let’s be real: if I’m on a tight budget, I’m hitting Lidl or Asda first. They’ve got most of the basics, and you can save a ton while still eating well.
Transportation
If you’re going to be using public transport regularly, get yourself a student bus pass. It’s usually a monthly pass, and trust me, it’s so worth it. You can hop on the bus as many times as you need without constantly counting coins or swiping your card. In some places, it can save you a ton of cash compared to buying single tickets every day. Use apps like Citymapper to navigate the bus routes like a local.
Trains are for people who don’t count pennies. If you're like me, you’ll take the bus. It’s cheaper, and sometimes gets you to your destination just as quickly. If you absolutely must take the train, get a Railcard, It gives you a third off most fares.
Fashion: Looking Cute Without the Debt
I’m a fashion designer, so looking good is in my DNA. But sadly, my budget doesn’t always agree with that. Here's how I manage to stay stylish on a student budget.
Charity shops are where I get most of my clothes now. They’re packed with hidden gems, and I can walk out with a new outfit for less than £10. Plus, it’s kind of fun to pretend you’re on a treasure hunt while shopping. You never know what you might find! I’ve snagged some killer outfits for a fraction of what they’d cost in high street stores.
Zara, H&M, and Primark are all about those seasonal sales. When the sales season hits, I’m out here like a bargain hunter on a mission. You can snag some trendy pieces without feeling like you sold your soul to the fashion gods.
You know those old clothes you were about to throw away? Don’t. Give them a makeover instead! Turn an old shirt into a crop top, or rip those jeans in a cool way because that’s the trend now. Trust me, you’ll look fab and feel like a DIY fashion icon.
Invest in timeless pieces, they never go out of style and you can mix and match until you’ve created a whole wardrobe with only a few items.
Accommodation
Shared houses or flats are often the go-to for students who want a little more independence than university halls can provide. You’ll be sharing with other housemates, which cuts your rent significantly. the con of this is that not all landlords are “student-friendly” (hello, surprise deposit fees!). Another thing you really want to pay attention to when searching for accommodation is whether the rent includes bills (water, electricity, heating, WiFi, etc.). You don’t want to be hit with surprise utility bills on top of your rent.
If you're looking to keep your accommodation affordable, getting a roommate is your ticket to halving the rent. That way, you can have more of your hard-earned cash for other important things. But having a roommate is a bit like playing Russian roulette. It can be the best decision ever, or it can leave you questioning your life choices if you know what i mean.
On the long run, be prepared to compromise a little whether it’s on location, size, or extra features. But the key is finding a balance between what you can afford and what you need.
Other Tips: Stretching That Budget Like It's Gum
Resist impulse buying unless it’s chocolate. It’s easy to get tempted, especially when you’re walking past a sale sign. But if you don’t really need it, don’t buy it.
I set a weekly budget for everything from food, entertainment, shopping, and my “retail therapy” because, let’s be honest, it’s like a little happiness boost in the form of a new sweater, pair of shoes, or an impulse buy that you may or may not regret in the morning.
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