As students navigate the pressures of rising living costs, financial wellbeing can feel overwhelming. However, improving your finances doesn’t always require major lifestyle changes.

Whether it’s tracking your spending, making use of student discounts, preparing meals at home or setting aside a few pounds for emergencies, every positive step counts.

This Talk Money Week, we’re encouraging students to take realistic and manageable actions that can help them feel more in control of their finances.

Step 1: Calculate Your Income

Make a list of all sources of money coming in. Remember to include student finance and add all weekly, monthly, termly or annual payments to then calculate a realistic budget.

Income may include:

• Student loans and grants
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Part-time work or freelance income
• Savings or family support
• Social security benefits (where eligible)
• Trust funds or sponsorships

Step 2: Track Your Expenses

Categorise expenditure into Fixed expenses (rent, insurance, phone, car repayments etc) and Variable expenses (groceries, utilities, entertainment, clothes etc).

Tracking your spending for a month can provide a clear picture of where your money goes and identify areas where savings may be possible.

Step 3: Calculate Your Budget

Calculate your total income for the term and subtract your fixed expenses.

For example:

• Income: £3,000
• Fixed expenses: £1,500
• Amount remaining: £1,500

If your term lasts 12 weeks: £1,500 ÷ 12 = £125 per week

This gives you a realistic weekly amount for variable and non-essential spending.

Step 4: Set Financial Goals

Realistically most students don’t have much spare cash at the end of the week or month, but it is always recommended to create an ‘emergency pot’ to help cover those rainy days (in Belfast we have a lot!).

Another financial goal may be to clear down any outstanding debt. Prioritise those with higher interest rates and always ensure to maintain minimum payments on all others.

Financial goals do not have to be ambitious to be worthwhile. Even putting away a few pounds each week can provide valuable peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise.

Helpful Budgeting Tools:

• MoneyHelper Budget Planner
• Save the Student Budget Calculator
• UCAS Budget Calculator

Once you’ve established your budget, the next step is finding opportunities to reduce spending and maximise your income.

1. Review Non-Essential Spending

Let’s not pretend that cutting a daily flat white will miraculously solve all your money worries, however, it’s important to recognise your money draining activities and look for alternatives. The SU Lounge has tea/coffee making facilities and food preparation areas. Don’t underestimate the savings of bringing a packed lunch!

2. Make the Most of Student Discounts

Check before you buy

Student discounts are one of the easiest ways to reduce spending. Many retailers offer student discounts, but not all advertise them clearly, so it never hurts to ask.

Popular discount platforms include:

• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans
• TOTUM

Save on Travel

The Translink yLink Card is available to 16-23 year olds and offers:

• Up to 50% off bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland
• Up to 50% off Enterprise cross-border journeys

Compare Prices and Earn Cashback

Think haggling but without the awkwardness! Before making larger purchases, compare prices using:

• Compare the Market
• Confused.com
• MoneySuperMarket

Then maximise savings further through:

• TopCashback
• Quidco

Earn Extra Income

For many students (65% to be exact), it can be necessary to supplement any income with part-time employment. While this may help stretch your finances and your social circle, it is worth noting that this should not exceed 15-20 hours per week.

If you have any additional spare time, online surveys and research studies can provide a small income boost. Save the Student offers a helpful guide to reputable options.

3. Buy and Sell Second-Hand

Choosing second-hand helps both your wallet and the environment.

• Visit the SU Swap Shop to exchange pre-loved clothing and household items.
• Sell unwanted items through platforms such as Vinted and Depop.

4. Save Money on Food

Food spending can quickly add up, but small changes can generate significant savings.

• Sign up for supermarket loyalty cards (Tesco Clubcard, Lidl Plus, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Asda Rewards) to get discounts on food and household items.
• Consider own-brand alternatives.
• Shop with housemates and split bulk purchases.
• Visit The Pantry in the Students’ Union for free cereals, grains, pasta, pulses, herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables (subject to availability).
• Batch cook to save time and money. Recreate “Come Dine With Me” and channel your inner chef and impress (or disappoint) your housemates! Check out the SU Pantry Recipe book for student friendly recipes.
• Keep an eye out for free food events and SU Free Meals which will be advertised through our What’s On.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, the University may be able to offer discretionary funding through its financial assistance funds.

NI and GB students can apply to the Student Support Fund.

International, ROI and EU students may be eligible for assistance through the Financial Assistance Fund.

Please ensure to read the guidelines and eligibility criteria before applying and note that each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and an award is not guaranteed. If you need any support with your application, please contact SU Advice.

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential support on student money matters.Contact the team at su.advice@qub.ac.uk for advice and guidance.

Financial wellbeing is often built through small, consistent actions rather than dramatic sacrifices.

A packed lunch. A budgeting app. A student discount. An extra £5 saved each week. These actions may seem insignificant on their own, but over time they can make a meaningful difference.

This Talk Money Week, take one small step towards improving your financial wellbeing. It all counts.

5 Small Actions You Can Take This Talk Money Week

• Cancel one unused subscription
• Set a realistic weekly spending limit
• Sign up to UNiDAYS, Student Beans or TOTUM
• Plan your meals before your next food shop
• Put aside £5 (or whatever you can afford) into an emergency fun

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Talk Money Week is a national campaign led by the Money and Pensions Service.