For most of us, university would be the first taste of financial independence and that means that we are now responsible for budgeting, saving up and spending wisely. It can get pretty overwhelming when trying to balance your finances with regards to your social life and personal wellbeing so I will be providing some tips and tricks that have been helpful to me.

A monthly allowance is subjective to each person as it depends on what you need and want on a monthly basis. It is important to break down the types of expenses you would have in university and allocate a budget for it. Some things to consider in your budget are groceries, eating out, transport, entertainment and emergencies, among others. I have found it helpful to put aside £50 of my monthly budget, on top of money leftover at the end of the month, into my savings which forces me to save up money to either travel or do some shopping.

While cooking food for yourself would save a lot of money, I understand that we all have those days where we just want to eat out instead. There are many sustainable options on campus that have an added bonus of not breaking your bank.

An initiative by a GSD student called Food Intercept, where edible food waste is prepared by single, minority mums in Coventry, sells food on campus that doesn’t usually exceed £4. Find out more here.

There are many other food waste awareness campaigns that sell affordable food on campus such as 'Disco Soup' by RAWKUS, which saves vegetables from local suppliers and creates vegan soups on a pay-as-you-feel basis with all proceeds going to charity.

If you wish to save some money while buying food and drinks at restaurants on campus, you can top-up your 'Eating at Warwick' account and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. At a cafe called Curiositea in the Students' Union, you are entitled to a discount when you bring your own reusable cup. You can also buy your own reusable mug called KeepCup sold at the Rootes Grocery Store or Book and Gift shop called KeepCup.

At Warwick, you’re given the chance to be sustainable and save money while you’re at it.

Sambhaviy Kumaresan

Second-year Single Honours GSD student

Friday 13 March 2020