A frequently asked question when people start considering studying abroad is, “How much will that cost?”. The currency differences between Indonesian Rupiah (where I’m from) and the British Pound are significant. A week’s worth of groceries in the UK could cover a month’s worth back home, and a single meal out could cost as much as an entire weekend’s worth.
Despite how intimidating that may sound, don’t worry! Studying in the UK isn’t as unaffordable as it might seem. With proper budgeting, smart spending, and making use of student discounts, you can manage your money well and still enjoy your university experience without constantly stressing about finances.
Budgeting: planning for financial stability
I only started budgeting properly in recent months, and I wish I had done it sooner. Planning out my expenses each month helps me keep track of my spending and prevents me from making impulsive purchases—something I really struggled with in my first year.
I found myself a cute budget template and customised it to fit my needs. Now that I’m actively saving money, I always refer to my budget before making plans. If multiple friends invite me out, I make sure it aligns with my financial plan. Prioritising certain expenses helps me stay on track and avoid slipping back into reckless spending habits.
That being said, unexpected expenses are inevitable, so I always set aside money for emergencies. While it’s important to be mindful of your budget, remember that university life isn’t just about surviving, it’s about experiencing. Money will come back, but certain experiences may not. So be realistic with your budget. Treat yourself once in a while — a coffee after a tough exam, a meal out with friends, or a small reward for finishing an assignment. The key is balance!
Groceries: shopping smart to save more
I usually spend around £25 a week on groceries, and cooking at home has saved me a lot of money. A single Pad Thai in town could cost £13, but for the same price, I could make a whole week’s worth at home!
Over the years, I’ve explored different supermarkets to find the best prices, and right now:
- Lidl, Aldi, and Asda tend to be the cheapest options
- I think Morrisons has better quality meat, so I sometimes shop there
I even went through a phase where I’d buy eggs from Lidl after my shop in Morrisons because they were significantly cheaper —it may sound extra, but small savings add up!
For Asian groceries, I’ve checked out every Asian store in York, and (at the time of writing) Red Chili has the most affordable prices for sauces, hot pot ingredients, and other essentials.
Laundry: finding ways to cut costs
Laundry can be pricey if you rely on launderettes. It costs me £5.50 per wash and dry, and that’s just for my clothes. Washing bedsheets and duvet covers costs the same again.
To cut costs, I air-dry my clothes using a drying rack, which has saved me a decent amount. I still use the dryers for my bedsheets and duvet covers though because I prefer warm sheets when I change the bed. If you live in a student house, this won’t be as much of a concern since you’ll likely have a washing machine there.
Eating out and leisure: enjoying York on a budget
I don’t eat out too often, but York has so many amazing restaurants and brunch spots, it would be a shame not to try them! A great way to enjoy eating out without breaking the bank is by waiting for York Restaurant Week, which offers amazing discounts. The dates aren’t fixed, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Student discounts are another game-changer. Download UniDays and Student Beans to find deals on food, clothing, entertainment, and more. Some restaurants offer student discounts, but you need to ask at the counter. During Welcome Week, some places (like Zaap Thai and Domino’s pizza) offer exclusive student deals, so take advantage of them!
Transport: walking, buses and railcards
One of the best things about York is that it’s a very walkable city, so transport costs can be minimal if you don’t mind walking. However, if you do need to take the bus, I recommend:
- FirstBus App – It offers student discounts on tickets. I usually buy a pack of 20 single tickets because it’s much cheaper than paying for individual ones.
- Free bus routes between campuses – If you take the U1 (between Green Dykes Lane and Campus East Interchange) or U2 (between The Retreat and Campus East Interchange), you can tap on and tap off for free!
- If you plan to travel outside York, definitely get a Railcard! I use the 16-25 Railcard, which costs £35 per year, but it saves 1/3 off train tickets and it has paid for itself multiple times over in just a few trips!
Final thoughts: budgeting without missing out
Being an international student means learning how to balance finances while making the most of your university experience. Over the past four years in the UK, I’ve learned that saving money isn’t about cutting out all fun, it’s about spending smartly and prioritising what truly matters to you.
Budget wisely, cook when you can, take advantage of student discounts, and don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself! At the end of the day, university is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the right money management skills, you can make the most of it without constantly worrying about your bank account.
– Ancella 🌼
