Cost of Living Hacks for Students

The cost of living is hitting students hard. Back in 2018, Universities Australia found that one in seven students regularly go without food. Recently, attention has also been drawn to the impact of unpaid placements, which include 800 hours for nursing students, 1000 hours for social work students, and at least 80 days for undergraduate education students. These come with travel costs, uniform or clothing requirements, and childcare. Additionally, fuel, energy, food, and housing costs have all increased in the last few years.

At Advocacy & Welfare, we understand that being a student can be financially challenging, particularly as most students are balancing work, study, family, and other commitments. Here are some tips and tricks to make life a little cheaper:

1. Plan and budget for meals. This is one of the best ways to save money on food. Make a list of meals you want to eat for the week and stick to it when you shop. If you don’t have time to make a meal plan, there are many resources available online, such as the No Money, No Time website. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you do it often. Cooking at home is a great way to save money and can even help you eat healthier.

2. Take advantage of discounts. There are many discounts available to students on everything from groceries to clothing to entertainment. Sign up for UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or Student Edge to get access to these discounts and keep an eye on the NSW Government’s Savings Finder, which offers more than 70 rebates and vouchers.

3. Use public transportation or ride a bike instead of driving. This is a great way to save money on fuel and parking. If you do need to drive, try to carpool with friends or classmates. At UNE’s Armidale campus, we have a free shuttle bus available to students with pick-up and drop-off points in town and at the colleges.

5. Borrow textbooks from the library or buy used textbooks. Textbooks can be expensive, so try to borrow them from the library or buy used textbooks instead. You can also find free or low-cost textbooks online and at UNE, The Shop sells second-hand textbooks which are less expensive than buying them brand new.

6. Take advantage of free activities on campus and in your community. There are many free or low-cost activities available to students, such as workshops, lectures, and museum exhibits. Check out UNE Life’s current events, the UNE Events Calendar and your local community website to find out what’s happening.

Following these tips can help you save money on the cost of living and make your student life a little bit easier.

Additional tips:

• Ask for help if you need it. There are many resources available to help students who are struggling financially. Talk to UNE’s Financial Assistance team to see what options are available to you.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you’re struggling to pay a bill or afford a service, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the provider. Many companies are willing to work with students to find a solution that works for everyone.
• Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, when you’re a student. Make sure you’re eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and motivated in your studies and help you to deal with any stressors or complications that arise in your daily life.

If you’re having financial worries and aren’t sure where to turn, get in touch with our team of Advocates and we will point you in the right direction.