It is fun to live in a new city as a student. But money management is also equally important. Most students take up student accommodation in Belfast and realize how quickly their savings go. The rent, eating out, and other bills accumulate quickly. That’s why it is highly useful to save money with smart things. From energy-efficient appliances to reusable cookware, numerous little things can amount to a lot. Thus, this article examines basic items that can enable students to spend less without compromising their comfort.
How Can You Cut on Many Items in the Student House?
There are many items where you can cut the overall cost and save some amount. The following points will give an answer to all the tips and tricks.
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Mugs
Many students purchase plastic water bottles or coffee from stores daily. Though this does not seem like a lot, it amounts to a significant expenditure over time. So, a refillable water bottle or coffee mug can save money. It will also contribute to the protection of the environment. You can fill your bottle at school or in your dorm. There are even cafes that offer a discount if you use your mug. Therefore, doing this small action will save money each day and create a money-saving habit.
Simple Cooking Utensils and a Rice Cooker
Dining out frequently is probably the biggest expense for students. One of the best means of saving money is to prepare your own meals. You don’t require a full kitchen setup. A pot, pan, knife, and rice cooker will suffice. A rice cooker is easy to use and can be used to cook foods other than rice. You can prepare noodles, pasta, or even soups. Thus, by cooking at home in your student residence in Belfast, you save a great deal each week.
LED Bulbs and Desk Lamps
Electric bills can become too much if you are not watchful. Most students don’t switch off lights or use traditional bulbs, which makes them use more electricity. It is a wise idea to use LED bulbs. LED bulbs work longer and consume less electricity. You may also use a desk light for reading and writing instead of switching on all the room lights. Above all, these small energy-saving devices will save each month’s bills in student accommodation in Belfast, particularly during winters when the lights are used extensively.
Sharing Kitchen Utensils with Flatmates
If you have flatmates, attempt to share kitchen appliances such as mixers, toasters, and other kitchen equipment. Everyone doesn’t need to purchase the same equipment. Sharing is cheaper and saves space. You can even cook together and take turns. Thus, this creates a cordial relationship with your flatmates. Sharing essentials translates to fewer costs for every individual. It’s a clever way to have good food without wasting too much money.
Laundry Basket and Drying Rack
Washing laundry in dryers or at paid laundromats is expensive. You can cut this expense by using a basic laundry basket and drying rack. Rather than drying every time, dry clothes inside your room or on a rack near the window. Belfast experiences rainy days, but since you have indoor drying racks, your clothes will not get wet. Thus, this practice saves energy and prolongs the life of clothes as well.
Airtight Food Storage Containers
Food wastage means money wastage. You can prevent this by keeping leftover food fresh. Airtight containers help in keeping food fresh and secure. You can prepare food in bulk and keep it stored portion-wise. This saves you cooking time as well as money. You can even pack lunch or a snack and take it to college. So, this prevents you from spending money on costly food outside daily. Spending money on good-quality containers is a good and inexpensive idea for saving more.
Second Hand or Thrift Store Items
Purchasing everything new may cost money. Belfast has plenty of student markets and thrift shops where you can buy cheap items. Anything from furniture to warm coats, you can get good-quality second-hand products. Lots of students sell their stuff when they graduate, so just ask in student circles. Thus, this saves you money as well as giving old things a new life. It’s a fantastic way of obtaining what you need without blowing your budget.
Internet-Accessible Entertainment
Rather than spending cash on cable television or watching a movie at the cinema, use the web. A joint streaming app subscription with friends can save you money on entertainment. There are also lots of free videos, games, and television programs available on the web. Some libraries provide free access to educational content or films. There is no need to spend much money staying entertained if you reside in student accommodation in Belfast.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Bringing your own shopping bag can be a small thing, but it saves you money on buying plastic bags over and over again. Most shops make you pay extra for bags. Reusable bags for grocery shopping are inexpensive and will last you a long time. You can also use them to do laundry or carry books. Thus, it’s just a habit that saves waste and money. Save every penny on student accommodation in Belfast when studying abroad.
Meal Planning Charts
Preparation of a weekly meal plan saves time and money. When you know what to cook, you purchase only what you require. It also prevents you from wasting food. A small calendar or planner on the wall can assist you. You can use whiteboards or sticky notes. Having an idea of what to prepare for each day eliminates confusion and last-minute food orders. With time, this has a significant impact on your living expenses.
Conclusion
It takes bright thinking to survive on a student budget in a different city. When you reside in a house, the use of appropriate items can save you loads of money and make your experience hassle-free. From reusable kitchen utensils to warm clothing and shared devices, every step counts towards big savings. Thinking ahead and choosing affordable alternatives benefits immensely. If you’re moving somewhere else as well, these tips will work for other locations as well, such as student accommodation in UK. The trick is to be simple, intelligent, and ready.
