Overlay

Student saving

How to save as a Student

Money saving tips

Student discounts

Ways to make money as a student

Control your student finances

Saving money as a student

Adjusting to your new independence is a big part of the university experience, especially when it comes to your finances and making your money go further. Whether you're a student looking for ways to make money on the side or just need a little saving advice, this page has the tips you need.

01

Calculate a weekly/monthly budget

Estimating how long each income payment needs to last you is a good place to start. Find out when your loan payments are due throughout the year using the student loans company website. Once you know how much you’ll earn and owe per week you can work out how much you have left to spend.

Use our budget planner

Chat about the budget planner...Chat about the budget planner...Chat about the budget planner...

Budget planner
02

Shop wisely

Having to budget may mean that you find yourself with less disposable income than you may be used to. Switching to discount supermarkets for your weekly food shop could help save you money. In addition, shopping for clothes in charity shops can save you money on clothes and is more sustainable for the planet as well.
03

Meal prep

Takeaways and ready meals, while not part of a healthy diet, are also financially unsustainable. The earlier you start meal prepping and cooking meals to last you up to a week in one session, the more money you will save.
04

Be bill savvy

Compare your broadband and utility bills with competitor offers. It could be that switching providers could save you money.
05

Set up a student overdraft

If you're worried about falling into an unarranged overdraft, set up an arranged one as an extra buffer so you don't incur any charges.
06

Open a savings account

If you are in a position where you are able to put a little money aside each month, opening a savings account could help that money grow.

Check out our savings accounts

If you are in a position where you are able to put a little money aside each month, opening a savings account could help that money grow.Specific account eligibility criteria apply

Open a savings account

Student discounts

Student discount card

Essential for any student who enjoys shopping and eating out. Including the NUS discount card and UniDays, which offer thousands of discount rates for student shoppers.

A huge part of saving money when you’re a student is taking advantage of the discounts.

IT equipment discounts Close

IT equipment discounts

Apple offer a student discount policy on new laptops and iPads, simply verify yourself using your UniDays ID and access discounted consumer electronics. UniDays also offers discounts of between 20%-35% on laptop brands including HP and Dell.

Student travel Close

Student travel

Travelling between University and home (or between University cities) is a big expense for students, but there are discount travel cards available. The 16-25 National Rail Card as it allows students 1/3 off the cost of all rail tickets, while the National Express Coachcard offers a 1/3 off coach fares.

Streaming discounts Close

Streaming discounts

Enjoy 50% off both Spotify and Apple Music as a student. Amazon prime video also offers a student discount for films and TV shows.

Cinema deals Close

Cinema deals

Going to see a new film can be a great alternative night out for students. Most of the main cinema chains offer student discounts, just don’t forget to take your card with you.

Food and rail discounts Close

Food and rail discounts

Even when student discount cards such as NUS are not valid in retail stores or restaurants, they might still offer a discount. Keep your University ID card with you and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount

Ways to make money as a student

If you are looking to earn some cash while studying here is some helpful tips

Some ideas to get you started

Gig economy Close

Gig economy

Jobs involving short-term contracts or freelance work and it can be a good way to make money as a student.
Well-known employers such as Deliveroo and Uber hire from the gig economy.
Students benefit from the flexibility of choosing when you want to work. If you have skills in high demand areas there are online platforms (such as Fiverr and FlexJobs) which allow you to advertise your services, like website building, translations and design skills.

Student union or brand representative Close

Representing your University at events such as open days and career fairs pay an hourly rate and can help to keep your bank balance ticking over.
A student brand representative is a similar role to the Student Union representative except you represent a commercial brand instead of the University at career fairs and open days. Well-known takeaway pizza brands and dating apps are amongst the most common employers of student brand ambassadors

Starting a business Close

Starting a business

If you already have a great idea then you may be able to apply for a small business grant from your University to get it off the ground.
A good place to start would be to check out your University’s entrepreneurial society. Example start-up ideas include buying and selling goods online, smartphone app developments and making and selling small items (like jewellery).

Focus groups and paid surveys Close

You can earn money by completing online surveys and being part of focus groups.
It is important that you research the survey providers thoroughly to ensure they are legitimate companies and then you will need to be willing to dedicate enough time to completing the surveys.
Leading providers include Swagbucks and Toluna.

Ever wonder how much it will cost? Wonder no more.

For the sixth year in a row, we’ve published data to help you understand what it’s really like to be a student at university. We’ve asked 3,604 students across 35 popular university cities how much they spend on essentials like food, rent and bills, and how they juggle their time across studying, part-time work and socialising

Student Living Index 2019

Help with managing your money

Stay in control of your finances with online and mobile banking

Digital Banking available to customers aged 11+ with a Royal Bank account. App available to customers with Digital Banking and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Mobile banking app

Manage your money on the go

Touch ID and Face ID keeps your details under lock and key, should a phone be misplaced. Available on selected devices.

Round-the-clock access lets you stay on top things wherever or whenever you like, perfect for late nights on campus

Cutting-edge features like “Get Cash” allows card-less ATM withdrawals. Limits apply.

Download the mobile app

Digital banking

Making day-to-day finances easier

Complete everyday banking tasks wherever you are - all you need is an internet connection

Digital banking doesn’t close in the evening and you’ll never have to wait in a queue, providing more time to focus on the studying

Gain a higher level of visibility and control over your finances to stay on top of spending

How to save as a Student

Saving money as a student

Money saving tips for students

Calculate a weekly/monthly budget

Use our budget planner

Shop wisely

Meal prep

Be bill savvy

Set up a student overdraft

Open a savings account

Check out our savings accounts

Student discount card

A huge part of saving money when you’re a student is taking advantage of the discounts.

IT equipment discounts

Student travel

Streaming discounts

Cinema deals

Food and rail discounts

Ways to make money as a student

Some ideas to get you started

Gig economy

Starting a business

Ever wonder how much it will cost? Wonder no more.

Help with managing your money

Mobile banking app

Digital banking

Is there something else you're looking for?

Support Centre

@RBS_Help

Find a branch