Saving money and having a good time is number priority for students. It is also about those small life hacks that no one is telling you about, but everyone is doing.

Well, we are telling everyone!

If you are a student or you’re just looking to be more efficient with your money, then look no further we have 5 simple life hacks that will save you money whilst you’re at university.

1. Get a browser extension to make bargain hunting easier

Whether you are shopping online or in the supermarket “do you offer student discount?” is a phrase that should be on the tip of your tongue at check-out. Now you don’t even have to ask as there are online browser extensions, such as honey, which automatically searches coupons when you checkout your basket. Sign-up and see the offers come rolling in.

2. Keep hold of those freshers week flyers

Your first week of university will have the fresher fair where lots of companies will be fighting for your custom. Here you can collect all the Dominos, McDonalds and Subway coupons, amongst many others, and save them for a time you most need them. Collect them and keep them safe. It will be so tempting to use them all on your first week, but those hungover days are coming, and you’ll need food at a moment’s notice so save them. You also don’t want to spend your first student finance payment in the first week, however tempting it may be.

3. Plan out your food shops, don’t let the meal deal bill add up

The little trips to the Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express could be costing you a small fortune. These little trips soon add up and when you’re planning meals you should be planning a trip to the supermarket. When you plan out your weekly food shop you should be bulk buying items. You’re less likely to make those little sweets/chocolate trips as you won’t be craving food. Also, if you are buying in bulk, you can save money on big pasta bags, chicken and washing up liquid. The only problem is how do you get there? Do you have access to a car? Problems as a student that we also have the answer to…

4. Join a car club to reduce transport costs

Cannot decide whether to take your car to university or not? The cost implications are high when relocating yourself and your car. The dreaded list of car finance, insurance, road tax, MOT’s can all make a big dent in your bank account, that’s not even factoring in repairs and parking. Cars can become an unwanted cost for students when you are trying to save money. But giving up your car secludes you and makes travel so much harder. Well, there is an answer out there for you. Most cities in the UK now have car clubs, like Co Wheels, where you can hire a car for as little as £4.75 per hour. This means you can make the out-of-town trips or difficult shopping journeys without having to bring your expensive car with you.

Find out more about how it works.

5. Free entertainment / Entry

Going on a cheap night out is every student’s dream, right? Entry fees and expensive drinks usually put a stop to that but think outside the box when it comes to your nights out. Firstly, think live music. Find your local pub, or comedy show, and they will usually have either open mic or live music for free. Start digging on Facebook for pages for your favourite clubs… you can usually get free entry if you’re on the guest list online. These are simple hacks that everyone should do before a night out or looking to have fun on a budget.

We hope you enjoyed our life hacks, send in any other hacks or share these with your friends.