Want to go from a super noodle survivor to super savvy student? Tired of scrimping your pennies so you can finally put a wash on? Want to kick-start your new life as an (brace yourself) adult?

For a lot of you, going to university is the first time you could be experiencing living independently, and even the first time handling your own money and budgets. Though this may not sound like a big deal to a lot of people, to others it is no short of being terrifying.

However, don’t panic! Depending on where you are ready to scrimp and adjust, you can save money in some areas, and spend in the ones, that as a student, matters more – SU anyone?

Let’s delve in.

Food Shopping

The biggest tip of all tips - learn to cook meals from scratch. It may take longer, but it is the cheapest way to live. Get online and find simple and cheap recipes that even Jamie Oliver would be proud of! Tiktok is a also great place to find inspiration, from our own budget friendly meals video to hashtags like #budgetmeals and #cheapfood.

What better way to eat well and on the cheap than to pop to Aldi and Lidl for a shop, bonus points for being just a short walk away from our Brook Street halls. Just avoid those tempting middle aisles – you do not need a hand-held car hoover and microfibre cloth set.

Tesco’s, Sainsburys and Morrisons are also all close by to the High Wycombe town centre – they also all offer a loyalty card where you can collect points, get deals and save money – it would be rude not to sign up.

Be aware that if you are buying branded products, you will end up dishing out more money. Supermarket own brands are just as good but half the price and with less pretty packaging. It’s also a good idea to check prices against the quantity of what you are buying. For example, if a 200g bag of rice cost £1.00 and a 300g bag of rice costs £1.20 it’s better to buy the 300g bag.

Also set a weekly budget. £35 for a two-week shop is doable if you are watching what your spending and you are shopping smart. Things like potatoes and vegetables are so cheap and can be used in just about everything. You can spend one day bulk cooking and freeze your meals.

Its also worth checking out apps like ‘Toogoodtogo’ - £40 of food for £3? Yes please!

Your Outgoings

It’s always worth checking your outgoings, things like phone bills, computer software like Microsoft Office, the random £4.99 that comes out of your account and different memberships all add up. The majority of companies will offer cheaper student rates. Get online and trust the meerkat, compare prices across the board and see what will work best for you.

Or see what the University are offering, things like a gym membership at BNU are discounted for all our students. BNU's Gateway Gym is well equipped with training equipment and group session spaces. We have fully trained, experienced fitness coaches on hand to support and design a tailored training programme for your objectives. That’s some big gains.

Get a job

No matter where you go study there will be jobs around, bosses waiting to employ students and hours to pick up. Bartending and restaurant work is great to fit around your studies as its usually evening shift’s, however if you know your timetable, retail work is often available if you can get some set days.

Want to keep your evenings and sick of working weekends? You could also become a Student Ambassador for your university. BNU offers students the chance to work Open Days, create content and give campus tours all for a pay above minimum wage. Yes, I am saying we pay you to make TikToks, mad right?!

Restaurants/bars/pubs

You are living away from home. Suddenly nobody is there to question you on why you’re going out with friends for the second night in the row...A blessing right? Don’t be too sure! You’re officially your own boss but this means you’re likely to be going out, and of course, spending money more often.

Easier said than done but try to limit the number of times per week you go out, or if friends ask you to go out for food, maybe eat a light dinner before and then buy a smaller, cheaper dish out, this saves you money. Even better, check out the cheaper restaurants, Wetherspoons pug grub, cant go wrong!

Also, when you go on nights out, try and take cash instead of your card, this means you won’t be waking up to any nasty surprises in the morning – ‘How did I spend £60 last night?!’

You could even suggest a games night in. Aldi cheese board anyone?

Getting from A to B

Public transport, love it or hate it – sometimes it’s a necessity. Things like Uber have repeatedly saved the day when you’ve needed to get home after a big food shop, night out or those days you’ve forgotten your brolly. But what if you need to go further? As a student you will be able to access discounts on various travel including:

• Train: Whatever age you are when you start university, whether you're coming straight from school or college or you're returning to education, National Rail offers Railcards from ages 16-30 years old! It is the best £30 you will spend a year as it gives you 1/3rd off all train travel.
• Bus: The Young Persons Coachcard gets you 1/3rd off all the Standard and Fully Flexible prices, as well as 15% off travel to events and festivals, for just £12.50 a year or £30 for three years if you're 16 to 26 years old or a full-time student.

Holidays...

Yes, you read right. It is possible for most students to enjoy a holiday while at university. If you save your money wisely, perhaps work part time, you can be sure to jet-off to your favourite places. Make sure to do this during holiday times and go with your new friends to enjoy your time off. Check out the best deals on comparison sites and don’t forget, it’s always worth checking any student card sites, such as TOTUM, for discount codes.

Airline: Qatar Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines all offer a student discount scheme. With these you can access discounts on travel and luggage, perfect if you spend a lot of time travelling during the term breaks. Also who doesn’t love a Ryanair trip?

Discount apps

As a student, there are companies with websites and apps that offer find amazing discounts online and in-store. My top picks to check out are:

1. UNiDAYS: From learning, food and drink, fashion, technology, beauty, lifestyle and health and fitness it has various discounts for students. UNiDAYS partners with shops and companies to give discounts to help us save money.
2. Student Beans: Student Beans is much like UNiDAYS but in my opinion has more home and utilities, travel, entertainment, books, magazines and news and finance. I prefer using Student Beans as it has more to offer.
3. TOTUM: TOTUM has many benefits that you need to pay for but nonetheless, it has a free option so don’t worry! The National Union of Students recommends TOTUM as the sole student discount, proof of age ID, and campus life card and platform.
4. Save the student: Since its debut in 2007, STS has grown to become the UK's most popular student money website. Thousands of students use the site every day in search of reliable information and the greatest bargains.

Knowing your shops

And last but by no means least, get to know your local shops.

When shopping for your essentials a great idea is to split your shop up. For example, Toilet roll, shampoo and other wash products can all be found in Savers, Poundland or B&M, some of it is even brands you love and know.

Have a walk around the shops and suss out where each product you need is cheapest.