Money Matters

Socialising on a budget

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:36:59 +0100

It’s no secret that socialising is a key part of the student experience, but this can sometimes be a challenge on a student budget. Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your time at university and not break the bank.

Guild events and activities calendar

The Guild regularly hosts discounted and affordable events from club nights to craft making, there’s lots of ways to have fun on a budget! It’s also a great way to make friends!

Get outdoors

Don't forget to embrace the outdoors! Activities like going on walks, outings or bike rides are free and offer a great way to socialise while enjoying nature.

For instance, the Weoley Loop trail takes walkers from Weoley Castle via Selly Oak Park to Birmingham University and then back through the Bourn Brook Walkway.

You could also make the most of Winterbourne Gardens. UoB students get free entry with their student ID, so why not take a friend and a picnic!

Take a look at the 10 best things to do around Selly Oak.

Give volunteering a go

There is a lot going on in the University, the Guild and the local community where you can volunteer and socialise with new friends at the same time. Keep an eye on the University website for exciting volunteering opportunities to go out, make friends and contribute to the community.

Look out for discounts

These are frequently available from nearby cafes, cinemas, and retail stores. Keep your student ID with you at all times as it may come in handy for potential social opportunities.

Have a look at websites and apps that give you discount codes for being a student – you can find some amazing deals on events, food clothing, subscriptions and travel!

Join a society!

Did you know the Guild has over 350 student groups that you can join? Whether you love Doctor Who or are a mathematic whizz, everyone will find something they enjoy – or you might even discover exciting new hobbies. There is a small membership fee, but most societies hold lots of fun and interesting events at low rates.

Budgeting

Our Money Matters budgeting page is a great way to set out a budget and help you visualise your spending so you can spend more time socialising! We know managing your finances can be tricky so our budget planner is a really helpful tool so you can manage your money in a way that works for you.

Student Discounts

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:35:09 +0100

In today’s climate everything feels just that little (or a lot) more expensive. One perk you have as a student is the ability to access lots of discounts and savings.

Here are our top tips to help you find the best discounts:

Shop around

Make the most of your money and shop around for the best deals on food, travel, bills and other costs. You may find comparison websites helpful but remember not all providers are included and some smaller companies may offer some great deals.

Check for student discount offers

When entering into a subscription or contract (like a mobile phone plan) always ask if there’s a student discount available. Always ask for student discount on days out, many attractions and UK museums offer student rates.

Take advantage of the websites dedicated to providing deals and savings to students. Save the Student is a great example and offers lots of amazing discounts and deals as well as free products.

Money Saving Expert is also a great website for all kinds of money guidance and advice. There is also a page dedicated to student discounts so make sure to check back to get the latest deals and discounts.

Blackbullion is platform totally dedicated to students and their funding and finances. It’s free to join up and gets lots of helpful support on student funding, hardship and student discounts. For instance, how to do a holiday on a budget!

Check for student discount apps! There are student discount apps and memberships that students can sign up to where you can access exclusive discounts. Make sure to shop around and check you’re getting a good deal.

Share discounts with friends

If you discover a really helpful discount or deal, be sure to let your peers know and consider sharing on your social media to help each other save more.

Budget-Friendly Food Tips

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:41:12 +0100

Living on a student budget in Birmingham doesn't mean you have to sacrifice good food. With a bit of savvy shopping, helpful tips and local know-how, you can keep your cupboards stocked and your meals satisfying while also keeping costs low.

Here we have rounded up practical ways to make your food budget stretch further:

Freeze Smart

Using your freezer can help you waste and spend less. Whether that’s freezing leftovers for quick meals later, or buying things like meat, bread or cheese in bulk and freezing in portions, it’s a simple way to avoid wasting food and money. You can even freeze things like chopped herbs, milk, or fruit that are close to going off.

Batch Cook

Cooking in bulk saves time and keeps you from buying overpriced lunches or last-min takeaways. You can batch make pasta sauces, stews, curries, or rice dishes in larger portions and store in containers for the week or freeze some for later. It also helps to plan meals around a few core ingredients, so nothing goes to waste.

Use Food Rescue Apps

Apps like Too Good To Go let you buy unsold food from local cafes, restaurants, and shops for a lower price. You usually get a "surprise bag" of items near the end of the day and it’s an easy way to save money - and help reduce food waste.

Plan Your Meals

It doesn’t have to be a detailed spreadsheet, but having a rough plan for the week helps. Write down what meals you want to make, then check what you’ve already got before shopping and what you need to buy. Stick to your shopping list - it stops you picking up random extras you don’t really need, and this also helps cut down on food going off before you’ve used it.

Use the Community Cookbook

If you’re stuck for ideas, this Community Cookbook (created by the Community and Welfare Officer, Hope Aquilla) is a great place to start. It’s a free collection of 25 simple, budget-friendly recipes submitted by students and staff at the University. The cookbook is split into three sections: Brunch, Vegetarian, and Comfort Classics and is designed with student kitchens (and budgets) in mind!

Sourcing Cheap Food

When you’re watching your spending, you can save money by shopping at budget supermarkets, purchasing own brand ‘value’ products and comparing which supermarkets will give you the best value for money. There are also lots of markets around Birmingham which sell staple foods at affordable prices as well as zero-waste and surplus food shops. Remember, the Guild also has a Community Pantry for students who are struggling financially.

Overall, you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to save money on food. A few small changes like freezing leftovers, planning ahead and using the right apps - can make a big difference over time.

Intro to Money Matters

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:33:39 +0100

Money really does matter, it’s something that impacts everyone and at times can cause a lot of worry and stress. We know cost-of-living is a big concern for a lot of students so we offer lots of support to students who may be struggling financially. Just one way we help is through our Money Matters project which aims to equip you with useful information and to provide support to help you feel in control of your finances.

If you’re looking for some advice on how to manage your money, we have a dedicated Guild Money Matters Adviser and a Money Matters hub. We’re here to support you and help take the stress out of money worries, allowing you to focus on your studies and make the most of your time here at university!

Money Matters Advisor

Support is available via email, our dedicated advisor will aim to answer your money worry questions so if you have any financial concerns please do get in touch.

The Money Matters Hub

The Money Matters Hub is the place to get information and support on:

Student Funding
Budgeting - planning your budget will help you to keep control of your money
Discounts and savings
Hardship support.

Pop-ups and events

We’re looking to run some Money Matters events so please keep an eye out on our website for events and helpful money saving initiatives, including our scam awareness initiative in August! Over the next few weeks, you may see our Money Matters Advisor out and about asking you what you would like to see from the Money Matters Service.