Martina Gardeva (Bulgaria)

I am Martina Gardeva from Bulgaria studying MSc Tourism Management and Marketing. As students, many of us struggle with living expenses because we are trying to be careful with our money, want to have fun, and have an exciting social life all at the same time. Have you ever wondered how you can save some extra pounds but also live the life you want? Here are some practical budget tips you can try to follow:

Save time, plan ahead

Write down a list of the goods you need from the supermarket ahead of time and stick to it. This way, when you go shopping, you won’t be wondering what to buy and will save some money buying only the food you actually need. And remember, never go to the grocery store hungry!

Learn how to cook and save money

Cooking can be both fun and healthy and is perfect for living on a budget. There are plenty of easy recipes on the internet as well as some truly amazing books such as Jamie Oliver’s Five Ingredients (my personal favourite). Who said students can’t cook, right?

Sharp eye for discounts

Bournemouth is a town full of students – discounts are literally around the corner! With your university ID, you can get plenty of offers in many popular places such as Domino’s, Sprinkles, Pizza Express, etc. On top of that, you get discounts for movies, tech, clothes and so much more. You can find the full list on SUBU’s website (https://www.subu.org.uk/student-discounts).

Shop on SALE for what you need

Watch for big red signs on the windows of the stores! You can find many bargains and interesting fashion items. Sometimes you can get up to 80% off the latest collections and prepare for the new season on a budget. However, make sure to never buy on a whim or impulse just because something has a huge reduction in price – those items tend to sit in your wardrobe unworn!

Digitize your finances

An easy, quick and effective way to track your finances and save money at the same time is to use apps to track your spending. Some of the best apps out there are: Spending Tracker, Digit and Everydollar.

Part-time work brings rewards

Getting a part-time job is a terrific way to earn some extra spending money. A perfect example is getting a job at the university. You can have a flexible schedule, full pockets, and not have to worry about missing any classes. Best of all, you will meet tons of people and make friends along the way.

Get fit with YouTube

If you love working out as much as I do, sometimes saving money by not purchasing a gym membership is the best idea. You can find many exercise videos on YouTube and create your own weekly sport routine that best fits you!

Walking & cycling

Another great idea to minimize your expenses is to rent a bike or walk in the warmer months. It is both good for the body and your wallet!

By Martina Gardeva, Bulgaria, MSc Tourism Management and Marketing