Top Tips for Managing-Money and having fun in the UK as an International Student in the UK

If you're anything like me, being an international student in the UK can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Studying abroad is a thrilling adventure—relocating to a new country, meeting people from all over the world, and choosing the perfect course and university. But let's be real: managing finances is a major concern.

It can quickly feel overwhelming and stressful between tuition fees, accommodation, groceries, and travel expenses. The good news is, with the right approach, you can not only make ends meet but also save money and live comfortably in the UK.
When I moved to Cambridge, I really had no idea how to spend my money in the best way, so I had to get creative. As an International Student, I made a bucket list of places to visit in the UK but all within a budget. I have looked for places to visit for free and find ways to be resourceful and still enjoy myself. After a few months, I’ve picked up some handy money-saving tricks that have made my time in Cambridge fun and affordable.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

One of the benefits of being a student in the UK is access to student discounts. Always ask if a business offers student discounts when shopping or dining out. You might be surprised by how often you can save money just by showing your student ID.

Prepare food at home and cook your meals But Treat Yourself Occasionally

If you want to save money - start by preparing most of your meals at home - it will bring your costs down immediately. Cooking in batches saves time, when you don’t have time to cook every day it's a great way to make sure that you have meals ready when you need them and it’s also really cost effective. However, that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate the fun of dining out or grabbing a coffee with friends.

Shop Smart

Before hitting the grocery store, I make sure to make a list of what I need in order to avoid impromptu purchases that can throw my budget off track but the goal is to plan. Buy everything which is necessary and what makes you happy but try to shop from the supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Asda for cheaper groceries. Look for deals as well, many supermarkets offer discounts like reduced prices towards the end of the day or during special promotions. Days when you don't feel like cooking but want to save on the cost of 'eating out' – then go for meal deals offered by grocery stores at a very reasonable price.

Consider getting a Part-Time Job

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays and there is lot of job opportunities available outside and inside the campus. Many international students in the UK take on part-time work to supplement their income. If you're eligible, working part-time can help cover living expenses and provide valuable experience.

Be conscious of your energy consumption

If you’re in rented accommodation, save money on bills by being conscious and making sure none of your devices are left on standby, turning off lights when you're not using them.

You can't let the stress of saving money stop you from enjoying your experience here.

Yes, save money, but don’t sacrifice your happiness or experiences in the process. After all, these are the years that are going to shape you for the future, and they won’t come back. So, make the most of them! So, these are my top tips on how you can strike the perfect balance between saving money and still having an amazing time in the UK. Let’s make the most of this journey while being smart with our finances.

Cheers to saving smart, having fun, and making memories!!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more updates as I continue to learn and grow in my role as International Marketing Assistant at Anglia Ruskin University!

Until next time!