Money saving tips

Part-time work is an option to boost your funds, as well as a great way to get out and meet new people. You should aim to work no more than 10–15 hours per week to leave enough time for your studies. 

Overseas students need to check the rules for working in the UK before starting any job.

Have a think about working on campus, there are shops and cafes and even offices that have vacancies.

Providing online tuition is a good way to earn extra spending money from the comfort of your room. Internships are also an option.

Use your College ID to gain access to a range of student discounts offered by many cinemas and theatres, high street shops and even some restaurants.

Have a look at sites like studentbeans.com and unidays.com to find the latest offers. Your wallet will love you for it.

Apple have an Education Store linked with UniDays, where current and newly accepted University students, parents buying for them, and teachers and staff at all levels, could save on a new Mac or iPad. 

You can also look out for coupons and discounts for specific sites or stores via newspapers, magazines and emails.

No need to splash out on expensive gym memberships. Imperial students have access to our on-campus gym, Ethos.

Membership options include:

• Free basic membership allows you to access the sports centre, book classes and access the swimming pool at off-peak times.
• Paid student membership allows you to access the facilities and gym at all times.

Find out more about memberships and prices

• Plan a weekly menu and cook with friends/housemates, sharing the costs
• Make a list and stick to it. This will help you avoid buying items on impulse
• Some supermarket chains deliver, and while there will be a charge for this it may be no more than a bus or taxi fare. Split it with your housemates and it's even less!
• A weekly shop is much more economical than lots of little trips to the shops
• Try supermarkets own brand labels – they may taste just as good and can be much cheaper than branded products
• Take advantage of special offers on items you would usually buy. For example, buy one get one free, 3 for 2 etc…
• Look out for discount shelves or items in the reduced section
• London has a huge range of markets including Camden, Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Petticoat Lane. Pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, often cheaper than in the supermarkets. It's also a nice day out!
• Don’t shop when you’re hungry, you'll be more inclined to spend more money on food you don't need
• Make your own lunch for the day
• Bulk cook and freeze for ready meals when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch
• Use any leftovers for lunch the next day, or freeze them

• Buy second hand books from sites like eBay or Amazon (check the version number carefully) or have a look in Imperial's vast library collection
• Save money on haircuts by booking trainees
• London favours the supermarket savvy. Most places have loads of delicious ready-to-eat/cook meals at bargain prices
• Look for free events and attractions around London. For example, Museums, London Free festival
• Have a look at thrift stores and PreLoved stores online for good quality clothes for a lower price
• Sign up to MoneySavingExpert's Weekly Money Tips