Although Preston is regarded as one of the more reasonably priced student destinations in the UK, rent is only one aspect of the financial picture for local or international students who are seeking to stay within a strict spending limit. If you don’t handle your daily expenses wisely, they can stealthily eat away at your savings. These include groceries, transportation, socializing, and many more hidden expenses.
Well, the good news is that Preston offers affordable housing, particularly if you know where to search and how to make minor, calculated adjustments. In this article, we will go beyond the housing rent and explain the cost-saving tips for students in Preston without compromising your time as a student.
1. The Art of Grocery Shopping
Depending on where you buy, your weekly food expenses can vary significantly. Even though it would look tempting to choose the closest and convenient corner store, those last-minute purchases often come with higher prices.
Preston’s affordable supermarkets include:
- Aldi and Lidl are excellent places to buy fresh food, inexpensive snacks, and bulk necessities.
- Tesco Extra and Asda are suitable for student discounts, loyalty programs, and variety.
Preston Markets:
An undiscovered treasure for affordable local meat, produce, spices, and fruits than supermarkets. Additionally, you’ll be helping out local businesses.
A Pro tip for you!
To take advantage of sales on perishable goods like bread, dairy, and fresh meat, shop late at night or early in the morning. Additionally, you’ll buy more than you need if you shop when you’re hungry.
2. Cook at Home (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Regular eating out, especially at cafes for students, quickly adds up to the pocket. You may save a lot of money over the semester by learning how to prepare simple meals. At Urban Hub, we also aid you with your own kitchen areas where you can prepare food for yourself. Try one-pot dishes such as soups, rice bowls, or pasta. They’re inexpensive, filling, and easy.
You can get started using apps like Yummly, Tasty, or even Instagram reels for knowing easy-peasy meal recipes.
3. Public Transport: Use It Wisely
If you are a student living in Preston on a budget near the UCLan or the city center, understand that Preston is a fairly walkable city. One of the main reasons why students opt for central student housing, like Urban Hub, which is just a 5-minute walk from the university, is that it eliminates the need for daily transportation.
However, if you wish to take a bus ride to neighboring towns or move about the city:
- Get a student discount on transportation buses or an Unirider pass.
- To locate the most affordable and efficient routes, use apps like Moovit or Google Maps Transit.
- Plan and use Railcards to purchase train tickets for longer trips (particularly the 16–25 Railcard, which offers a 1/3 discount).
- Even the occasional taxi ride might add up. If using an Uber is a requirement, consider splitting the ride with friends or roommates.
4. Save Big on Shopping and Essentials
Don’t go straight to well-known businesses for stationery, kitchenware, or home decor.
For commonplace things, Poundland, Wilko, B&M, and Home Bargains provide surprisingly good value.
- Look through Gumtree, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace for used electronics, furniture, and other items.
- Use applications like Totum, Student Beans, and UNiDAYS to find student discounts.
- Additionally, don’t undervalue the influence of group purchasing!
- You’ll save even more money if you and your roommates buy things in bulk (think rice, oil, and detergents).
5. Budget for Fun? Yes, It’s Possible!
Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing enjoyment. If you know where to look, Preston has a lot to offer on a budget:
- Drinks are half cheap on student evenings at establishments like Warehouse and Switch.
- Student discounts are frequently available at Odeon and Vue, especially during the week.
- UCLan and student societies frequently provide free events and seminars.
For information on upcoming community fairs, open mic nights, free performances, and cultural events, follow the local Preston social media accounts.
6. Stay Fit for Free (or Almost)
You’re not the only person who is concerned about the high cost of gym subscriptions. However, Preston provides free or inexpensive options for staying active:
- Student memberships at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre at UCLan are very reasonably priced.
- Use public parks like Avenham Park for yoga on the weekends, jogging, or walks with friends.
- Home workouts are incredibly accessible thanks to fitness apps and YouTube workout channels, particularly if you’re staying somewhere with a large, quiet room like Urban Hub offers.
Being aware is the key to living on a crisp budget in Preston. It just entails making wise financial decisions and understanding how to handle your money, without limiting your lifestyle.
Urban Hub makes life easier by providing fully equipped, conveniently accessible, all-inclusive lodging that handles most of your daily needs in one place whilst fulfilling your agenda of affordable living in Preston for students. It’s a fantastic starting point for budgeting student life because it offers a friendly living environment and fewer unforeseen costs.
Therefore, look beyond rent if you’re prepared to explore Preston on a tight budget. You’ll notice a significant difference if you cut back on the little things.
