Enjoying student life on a budget

This article was written by Business and Digital Marketing BSc(Hons) student Emily

University life is an exciting experience, but managing money can be a challenge. Here are some of the practical ways I've found to make my money go further as a Falmouth student, whilst making sure I still make the most of student life and enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer.

Student Discounts

Always carry your student ID to benefit from exclusive offers. For example, Harbour Lights (a Falmouth Fish and Chip shop) and Superdrug provide a 10% student discount. It’s worth always having it on you, as saving a few pounds here and there really adds up!

There are also great campus-based initiatives to help students with the cost of living, such as free soup days from the Students' Union (SU) and stamp cards, which are available across campus and get you a free hot drink once you’ve purchased a certain amount. All of these small savings add up to give you a hand with saving on daily expenses.

If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a 16-25 Railcard, which provides a 1/3 discount on rail fares - perfect for exploring Cornwall without breaking the bank!

Free or Low-Cost Events

You can participate in university-organised activities through SU societies and ResLife, which arrange budget-friendly trips to attractions like the Eden Project and St Ives. For example, a trip to the Eden Project ice skating rink last year, including transportation and admission, was less than £10. I found these trips to be a great, affordable way to have new experiences and see more of Cornwall, which allowed me to meet other students and make new friends. A win-win!  

We’re also fortunate to have the beautiful coast right on our doorstep, which provides so many opportunities. Whether you’re after a sunrise swim, seaside walk, coffee with a view, or a BBQ with friends, the beach is the perfect location to socialise (and it’s free to visit!). Gylly beach, Swanpool and Castle beach are all within a 15-minute walk of Falmouth Campus.

Beyond the beach, we’re fortunate to have easy access to fantastic nature spots and open green spaces. There are plenty of open green spaces and nature spots to visit, like Argal Reservoir for walks and wildlife spotting - great for Marine and Natural History Photography students. On top of this, both of our campuses have their own gardens: on Penryn Campus, there is The Orchard, with hammocks, a greenhouse, and it’s a real sun trap in the warmer months. On the Falmouth Campus, there are Fox Gardens – a subtropical garden with winding paths and benches to enjoy time immersed in nature.

Plan and Share Meals

One of the easiest ways to save money is by cooking at home instead of eating out. Meal planning and shopping with a list can help you to budget effectively and avoid too many impulse purchases! I also now batch cook meals, such as curries or pasta dishes, which allows me to freeze portions for later, saving me both money and time.

One way to enhance this further is to cook alongside housemates or course mates. This makes it feel more fun and appealing, but also allows you to share the cost of ingredients, giving you a lower cost and a sociable cooking experience!

In conclusion, being careful with money is important, but so is enjoying university life and prioritising your mental health. Taking time to destress away from assignments and work is essential, so don’t feel guilty for spending money on something that will make you happy. I’d just recommend factoring that into your budget! Whether it’s a coffee with friends, a day trip, or a new book, small joys are worth it. If you ever have any money concerns, Student Support Services are brilliant for offering support and guidance to help you manage your finances effectively.

Find out more about Student Life at Falmouth