Saving for the future: A blog by Charlotte Flanagan, Student Money Assistant
Why Save?
At university, it’s easy to focus on lectures, deadlines, and social life while financial planning slips down the priority list. But getting into the habit of saving, even just a little, can open up real opportunities down the line.
It’s not just about covering rent or getting through the term. Building up a savings buffer now can give you more freedom after you graduate, whether that’s putting money towards a car, travelling, or moving somewhere new for work. Starting small while you're still a student can make a big difference when it comes to funding the kind of future you want.
How to Save
The first step to saving is knowing where your money is going. Budgeting tools like Blackbullion (free for Warwick students) and apps such as Monzo make it easy to track your spending. You’ll quickly spot patterns and find areas where you can cut back. The university also has a lot of budgeting resources like the student bus pass guide and information on getting a railcard, which are advertised on and the SU website. Cutting back expenses on travel will assist with saving money for the future!
You can stretch your budget further by making the most of student discounts. Signing up to services like TOTUM, UNiDAYS can save you money on everything from meals to clothes shopping.
Cooking at home rather than relying on takeaways can significantly lower your weekly food bill. The student cookbook offers low-cost, easy and tasty meals you can make at home, and is especially helpful for students looking to save money on takeaways and cook at home.
Take some time to review your subscriptions. Whether it's streaming platforms, cloud storage, or delivery apps, you might be surprised at how much you're paying for services you don’t regularly use. Cancelling or pausing them could free up funds for your savings.
Getting some part-time work while you study can also help. Through Unitemps, you can find flexible part-time jobs that work around your studies, from admin roles to open-day assistants. This will help you get a little extra money on the side of your loan to put away to start building up your savings.
Setting a clear savings goal, no matter how small, to help keep you motivated. Whether you're planning a graduation trip, need funds for postgrad study, or just want an emergency fund, having a purpose helps. Banks like Monzo and Starling allow you to set up savings pots with automatic transfers, so you can save a set amount each week without thinking about it.
Saving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and build a routine that works for you, your future self will thank you.
For further money-related support, contact Student Funding Support by email (studentfunding@warwick.ac.uk), phone (024 7615 0096), or come to the Wellbeing Reception in Senate House (10 am-3 pm Monday-Friday).