By Alex Nelson

Copyright newsletter

UK Savings Week (Sept 22–28) encourages better financial habits for allFreshers and new graduates face their first taste of financial independenceManaging money effectively can reduce stress and make daily life easierEarly financial habits can have long-term benefitsBuilding a small savings safety net early helps manage unexpected expenses

This week (September 22-28) marks UK Savings Week, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to build better financial habits.

Fittingly, it also happens to be the first week many freshers are sitting down for their first lectures.

For thousands of young people, university life is the first taste of independence, but with that comes the pressure of juggling rent, food, social life, and studies, often on a tight budget.

Managing money at this stage can feel overwhelming, but a few smart habits can help students and new graduates stretch their cash further.

University and early working life are about more than just making ends meet, they’re about setting up financial habits that will last for years.

By budgeting smartly, taking advantage of student perks, and resisting the pressure to overspend, students and graduates alike can enjoy independence without money stress. Here are seven practical savings hacks to get started:

READ MORE: Crucial scam warning for students heading to university – what to look out for

1. Learn to budget before payday disappears

For many, the first student loan instalment or graduate pay packet feels like a windfall. But without a plan, it can vanish within weeks.

Setting up a simple budget – splitting income into essentials (rent, food, bills), savings, and non-essentials – makes it easier to keep track. Free apps like Emma, Snoop, or your bank’s built-in spending tracker can help.

A “pay yourself first” approach, where you move a portion straight into savings or a separate account, stops you from overspending before bills are due.

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2. Take advantage of student discounts

One of the perks of student life is access to discounts on almost everything, from travel and streaming services to fashion and food.

Signing up for TOTUM, UNiDAYS, or simply flashing a student card can save hundreds over the course of a year.

Graduates should also check whether they still qualify for alumni discounts or young-person railcards before assuming those perks end at graduation.

3. Cook smarter, not harder

Takeaways and meal deals quickly eat into a student budget. Instead, batch cooking a few simple recipes (like pasta sauces, curries, or stews) can save both time and money.

A slow cooker or air fryer can be a one-off investment that pays off throughout the year.

Teaming up with housemates for a “cook club” where each person takes turns to make dinner can also help keep costs down (and avoid the temptation of pricey late-night food runs).

4. Make the most of your student bank account

Student bank accounts often come with valuable perks, such as 0% overdrafts or freebies like railcards.

Treat an overdraft as an emergency buffer, not free cash, and avoid maxing it out unless absolutely necessary.

Graduates should also shop around before their account automatically switches, and many banks offer switching bonuses or cashback that can boost a savings pot without effort.

5. Don’t pay more than you need to for tech and textbooks

University often requires laptops, software, and hefty reading lists. Before splashing out, check if your institution offers free access to programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, or specialist software.

Many libraries also stock essential textbooks, or you can pick them up second-hand from older students at a fraction of the price.

The same goes for tech, and refurbished laptops or student discounts often work out far cheaper than buying brand-new.

6. Find low-cost ways to socialise

Freshers’ Week is famously expensive, but fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Student unions frequently run free or low-cost events, and joining societies is one of the cheapest ways to meet people while picking up new hobbies.

Graduates can also take advantage of community sports teams, book swaps, and “BYOB” gatherings as alternatives to pricey nights out.

7. Build a small safety net early

Even putting aside just £10–£20 a month builds the habit of saving and creates a cushion for unexpected expenses – like emergency travel or a broken laptop charger.

Consider opening a savings account with round-up features, which automatically save your spare change. Over time, those small amounts build into a useful fund without feeling restrictive.

Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at yourworld.net/submit. It’s free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.