Money saving tips

Moving internationally can be a complicated process and it's important to have all the resources you need when you arrive. Some banks will lock your account if you purchase items overseas and the first thing you will likely need to buy is groceries. 

• Setting up a bank account - I struggled to sign up at some of the major banks when I first arrived. Depending on your circumstances an online bank like Monzo can help give you access to your finances in those initial days. Brands like this have less upfront requirements and can simplify the process of applying. I was able to set up my bank account quickly and start grocery shopping.
• Funding one's education is not always easy so it's important to look into all available resources. In my first year I applied for a Bright Futures scholarship, one of the scholarships available at Leeds Beckett and this alleviated so much of the stress of finding my education as an independent student. There are many scholarships out there so make sure you research and find the scholarship that is right for you!

Grocery shopping on a budget

My first piece of advice for student budgeting is stock up on instant noodles and believe me, it’s not wrong! It's less than £1 a meal and they last forever, so always great to have in. However eating nothing but instant noodles can get tiresome fast, so here are some alternative tips to saving money on a student budget.

So, you ask yourself, ‘I’m new to Leeds. Where are the best places to shop? I recommend..

• Sing Kee it’s close to the university. They have a wide selection of Asian foods AND offer a 10% student discount, so bring your student ID.
• Morrisons - Right next to Sing Kee and you can get anything you need easily and readily. Morrisons has a bakery where you can get a loaf of bread for less than £1 I always check the discounted foods as well, often companies set arbitrary sell by dates to ensure an item is at its absolute best. But a day-old bread for half the price can be as low as 45p.
• Tesco meal deals. The pride and joy of student living. You can get a drink, a main and a snack for £3. That's a steal! But what about dinner? Check out the £5 meal deals - like tikka masala with samosas OR pizza with garlic bread. I find these meals especially useful on those long days where you are tired from a long day in class and need something easy.
• Kirkgate market is a great place to source cheap and fresh ingredients. Granted there are some pricier items too, like fresh fish and locally sourced eggs - you certainly pay for quality. However, if you look at the right places you can get a bag of fresh delicious fruits and vegetables for £3. Throw that in a pot and make yourself a curry or stew that you can freeze and eat as you go. Now that's what I call brain food.

As an international student I found supermarkets really surprising. Not just the prices being lower than what I’m used to but the eggs are not in the fridge. You’ll find them by the bread!

Cheap, fun things to do in Leeds

You can definitely have fun in Leeds without breaking the bank. Here's a few of my favourite places to visit on a student budget...

• Leeds Art Gallery - first of all it's free! Second, they have fantastic art and it's a great place to walk around with friends and family. Going alone? I've found that the best kept secret is upstairs. There's a multitude of art books and tables. Why not put in your headphones and jam out as you explore history. Divided by section you can explore photography, painting, modern art, and more. Grab a stack and expand your horizons!
• Get a bus ticket and explore - I really enjoy going to Roundhay park. It's a super short bus ride away and I could spend all day walking through the beautiful grass fields and gardens. There's also Tropical World, that is home to loads of exotic animals and plants. Why not go and see the meercats?
• My all time favourite hobby is going to get a cup of coffee. There are so many cafes in Leeds. Get a coffee, study, relax. Many of them offer competitive rewards programs as well!

Student discounts in the city

There are so many shops and restaurants in Leeds that offer student discount. Even if it's not advertised, it never hurts to ask!

• Many places offer off menu student deals like Nam Song. Just a short walk from University you can get a Báhn Mì and unlimited filter coffee for £10!  Kick off your shoes and sit by the window at the cushioned low table. 

• Waterstones is a great place to find a new book for school or for leisure. As a student you can sign up for a rewards card, earn points and discounts. It's easy just download the app, scan with each purchase and gain points you can turn into discounts. You can sign up here.

I hope this blog has helped you and given you some inspiration on how to save and spend your money on a student budget.