Student Life – Housekeeping On A Budget
In the beginning, student life may seem like the start of a three year long party, interspersed reluctantly with a bit of studying. While this may be the case for some, it’s also often a rather steep learning curve. You’re leaving the safety, care and (seemingly) unlimited funds of your parents, where your washing magically reappears freshly laundered in your wardrobe, hot tasty meals are supplied every day and you can usually persuade your dad to ‘lend’ you a few quid for a new top if you promise to walk the dog for a week.
Now you’re living independently, you may find yourself facing a number of dilemmas you hadn’t previously encountered. How on earth does a washing machine actually work? What meal can you cook for 37p? Where can you get a whole new outfit for Saturday for a fiver?!!
Fear not! There are a few simple budget-friendly tricks to help the less-than-prepared student along the road to becoming a successful and responsible housekeeper.
Money Laundering….?!
If your new residence doesn’t have the luxury of a washing machine, getting your clothes clean at uni can be an expensive business. Most universities have laundrettes on campus but they can cost more than you think. To wash and dry a load can set you back upwards of a fiver; that’s a few drinks on Saturday night! However, once you’ve figured out how to actually use the machines, you can wise up on how to make laundry day more cost effective. Share loads with mates (close mates if you’re including your undies!) Use supermarket own detergents and check how much to use – a small squirt goes a long way! If you’re lucky enough to live fairly near your parents’ house, take some laundry home whenever you visit. Your mum might not be delighted to see you carrying in two dirty great black sacks of washing but she’ll (hopefully) be so pleased to see you that she overlooks that part!
Can’t Cook Won’t Cook
Pot Noodles and fish finger sandwiches are a great student life staple. However, after the third month of the same meals day in, day out, you’re probably ready for a change. Arm yourself with a few charity shop cookbooks which specialise in budget-friendly meals and teach yourself the basics. There are literally thousands of youtube videos at your disposal for inspiration. Learn anything from how to boil an egg to creating a full roast dinner. So be brave and give it a go!
For cheaper ingredients, some supermarkets (e.g. Coop) offer a student discount to NUS card holders, so you can save money on your weekly shop. Also, find out when your local supermarket reduces its goods at the end of the day and try to plan your shop around then. Although they may not have your favourite 99% pork sausages, you’ll be amazed at what you can create with a can of chickpeas and fat free yogurt!
Be Thrifty With Thrift Shops
Lastly, that outfit for a fiver we mentioned…? It’s obviously very important to look cool at uni. You want to develop your style, look great and quite frankly, do it on a budget of air. Thrift shopping is a popular method of doing just that without breaking the bank. Thrift or charity shops sell vintage and used clothing at low prices and are ideal for students who love a bargain. You may need a little extra time to browse but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll be looking a million dollars for the cost of a couple of Costas in no time.
