Broke in Leeds: How to save back those pennies

As a second year student in Leeds, I worked out that party life is not cheap. 

Each semester I would feel rich at the beginning. I said yes to every social, would order takeouts at weekends and indulge in maccies too often to tell my doctor. By the final week, my dinners were plain pasta and my socials had to stay in the flat. 

It wasn’t awful but it could have been better. This little guide should hopefully help us all be smarter with our finances. 

Get your shopping bag sorted

Food is one of the easiest areas to save money- and no, going hungry is not an option.

Your brain uses around 20% of your body’s energy at rest so skipping meals means poor focus, low productivity and an invitation to lecture naps. 

If you want to save money on food as a student, try these simple changes:

• Visit the reduced aisle (around 5pm is ideal at many supermarkets).
• Use your freezer to batch-cook and reduce waste.
• Choose cheap cupboard staples instead of ready meals and pre-cooked rice.

A budget-friendly week of dinner ideas

Quick and cheap girl dinners

• Monday: Pesto pasta
• Tuesday: Bean chilli and rice
• Wednesday: Lentil dahl and rice
• Thursday: Fry Up
• Friday: Sausage pasta
• Saturday: Stir fry
• Sunday: Jacket potato

Another great trick is the Too Good To Go app. It’s an easy way to save money on groceries and takeaways, while reducing food waste.

If you’re really struggling, reach out to your university’s student support team, Citizens Advice or your local council. They can help you budget, access necessities and give guidance.

You may also be eligible to use your local pantry. Leeds Vineyard Pantry in Headingley offers reduced food items to those who are struggling financially. 

There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.

The chat about booze

Nights out can drain your bank account faster than anything else. To save money on nights out, try:

• Pre-drinking to spend less in bars.
• Taking it slow with drinks.
• Choosing cheaper non-alcoholic nights out.

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And remember, you don’t need alcohol to have fun. Plenty of students enjoy budget-friendly social events without drinking.

Email, chat and apply for jobs

Finding a student job can be tough and competitive but here are some practical student job search tips:

• Apply to places with “Hiring” posters (fewer online applicants). 
• Follow Leeds businesses and bars to stay updated on local job opportunities.
• Introduce yourself in person to create a memorable impression.
• Become friendly with staff on Otley Runs and nights out.
• Tailor your CV with relevant skills and add hyperlinks to evidence experience.
• Don’t rely only on Indeed as those listings get huge numbers of applicants.
• Stay active on LinkedIn and build connections.
• Be open to different roles and develop multiple skills.

Persistence is key with any student part-time job search.

Railcards and public transport

Cars are convenient and can be useful but cost fortunes, nearly as much as your year in rent. This makes understanding public transport crucial for students who live far away from home. 

Students can save 1/3 on rail fare using a railcard. They can choose to receive a railcard through a Santander student account or purchase one for £35 annually.

Using a railcard saved me around £100 last year. Do you know how many pints that bought? 

Leeds also provides MCards. MCards can be purchased online and provide unlimited bus and train travel at discounted price. It’s great for any student who has to commute for studies, placement or work. 

Leeds festivities

Leeds Christmas Market

The festive season can be stressful when you’re broke. To save money at Christmas, try:

• Shopping in charity shops. My favourite areas include Otley Road and the White Rose shop on Leeds high street. 
• Browsing second-hand platforms like Vinted, Depop and Ebay.
• Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle offer free items too. 

This helps you find thoughtful gifts while staying within your student budget.

Help is out there

Money can be a tough topic for any student but being open with friends about money worries can relieve stress. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to relatives, support is always available from student support and charities like Citizens Advice, which offer free financial guidance and budgeting advice.

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