Top tips for managing on a student budget

Our recent graduates share their top tips on how to manage living in Edinburgh on a student budget.

1. Don't leave home without your student card

"My advice would be to bring your student card everywhere and ALWAYS ask for student discounts or deals! Most pubs will offer students something cheaper as well as some clothes shops and grocery shops and saving that extra pound here and there will go a long way!"

Caoimhe Kirby MSc by Research Integrative Neuroscience

2. Shop big and shop local

"South bridge, which is so close to the University, has many shops which are ideal for cheap goods of good quality. Fresh and cheap meat, fish and vegetables are always available in Lidl in the central area. Poundland is the perfect choice when you want some snacks or consumables."

Junji Hua MSc by Research Biomedical Sciences (Zhejiang)

"Food shop at the bigger supermarkets - these are less convenient, but much cheaper, and if you only go once a week/fortnight you don't impulse buy so much and New leaf co-op is great for grains, cereals etc. - they have big barrels for them and you can fill up your own bags/containers."

Jess Williams MSc by Research Biomedical Sciences (Life Sciences)

3. Take advantage of the many thing you can do for free...

See the visit Scotland website to find more about things to do and see for free in Edinburgh