Living on a budget

Just because you’re choosing to study doesn’t mean you’ve got to fall into the cash-strapped student stereotype. There are plenty of ways to manage your money and stretch your finances to make sure you live comfortably while studying with us. Here's some of our top tips!

Take up cooking

While pizza and takeaways can be seen as an easy option for those without any culinary experience, too many can reduce your finances quickly. Instead of eating out, get cooking! It’s cheaper, healthier and a fantastic way to impress your flatmates.

Visit the Macrobert Arts Centre

There's no need to head into the city to see the latest blockbuster films, comedy, music, theatre and dance. It's all on campus in the Macrobert Arts Centre. Better still they offer student discounts!

What's on

Use our catering loyalty scheme

Take advantage of our loyalty scheme for students which includes a virtual hot drinks card and the abiility to earn loyalty points for all other (non-hot drink) purchases, which can be redeemed against other items available in BaxterStorey catering outlets.

Loyalty scheme

Join the sports centre

Membership to our on-campus gym and swimming pool starts at just £9.99 a month for students. There's loads of classes included as well as free bookings for the sports hall, squash courts and athletics track.

Memberships

See what's on at the Students' Union

Our Students' Union have many free events including quizzes, karaoke and open-mic nights.

Students' Union

Sometimes it helps to write everything down. There are loads of great, free websites that can help you to budget and plan your monthly expenses. UCAS has a student budget calculator that could help you.

Our students enjoy discounts at a wide selection of retail shops and restaurants around Stirling. You should always ask staff before you buy something to make sure you don’t miss out.

You can save hundreds of pounds each year by simply shopping smart. Use price comparison sites, shop for food online to avoid impulse buys and try out supermarkets’ own brand labels.

You’ll need to think about travel costs, particularly if you live off campus. Whether it’s a bus to lectures or travelling home for the holidays, travel cards can reduce the costs of your journeys.

Shop around for the best bank account and read the small print. Don’t necessarily choose the one that’s offering free giveaways or the highest overdraft.