Plan Ahead  

Start by calculating your income from student loans, grants, or part-time work. Allocate this income to essential expenses like rent, bills, and groceries. Use budgeting tools or apps to track spending and avoid surprises. Setting aside money for unexpected costs can also help. 

Dazzling Discounts  

Student discounts are your best friend. Many places offer discounts if you show your student ID, including cinemas, restaurants, and shops. For even more savings, sign up for discount apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, which offer deals on clothes, food, and more. Investing in a TOTUM student card can also unlock exclusive offers and discounts at various venues.   

Savvy Shopping  

To get the best deals, explore different supermarkets in your area. Shop with a list and a meal plan to avoid impulsive buys and eating out too much. Bulk buying store cupboard staples often saves you money over time, and many supermarkets reduce prices late in the evening, so shopping then can also save you some extra cash.  

Top tip: Don’t forget your loyalty card! They are usually free and can also get you some big savings as well. 

Travel Smart  

Take advantage of discount cards such as the 16-25 Railcard or a Student Oyster Photocard to make your rail and tube trips cheaper. Santander Cycles are a cheap and convenient option, and you can get a student discount on the annual subscription too! Make sure not to skip out on London’s extensive bus network, which under £2 per journey! 

Check out our full guide to communing in London here 

Be careful with overdrafts and loans  

While overdrafts and loans can provide financial relief, they can also lead to debt if not managed carefully. For more advice on student bank accounts and overdrafts, check out this Money Saving Expert guide. You can also check with the King’s Money Advice team if you have any doubts.  

Part-Time and Freelance Work  

Working alongside your degree is great experience and can supplement your income. KCLSU offers student-friendly roles with flexible hours, allowing you to balance work and study. You can also check out King’s Talent Bank or Stint for sessional work. However, be mindful of your work-life balance, especially if you’re an international student with visa restrictions.  

Top tip: Websites like Vinted are an easy way to declutter and earn some extra money, and it works the other way too! You can spruce up your wardrobe for very cheap by shopping second hand.   

Entertainment and Arts & Culture 

Look for free events and festivals happening around London. From outdoor concerts to street festivals, there’s always something going on in the city that doesn’t cost a penny. Websites like Time Out London and Eventbrite can help you find free activities.  

Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Subscriptions: This is something we all forget to do! Regularly review your subscriptions and cancel any that you no longer use or need. 

Top Tip: Always ask about student discounts when visiting places, as many venues offer them but don’t always advertise them.  

Eating Out  

Meal Deals: Many supermarkets offer meal deals, which typically include a main, a snack, and a drink for a set price, often around £3-£4. The Shack on Strand Campus and The Shed on Guy’s Campus also have a lunch meal deal for just £3.70 and offer the cheapest coffee in the area!  

Student Nights: Many restaurants and pubs (especially around King’s Campus) offer discounts or special deals for students on certain nights. Don’t forget the KCLSU Fresher’s wristbands offer 10% discounts at both The Shack and The Shed!  

Use Apps: Apps like Too Good To Go offer discounted food from restaurants and bakeries that would otherwise go to waste.