Making sense of your student budget

A few weeks into term, many students start asking the same question: how can I make my money last?

Between rent, food shops, travel, nights out and course costs, it can take time to work out what a realistic student budget looks like.

Whether you’re looking for budgeting tips, ways to boost your income or support with unexpected costs, here’s where to start.

Which sounds most like you right now?

I want my money to go a bit further
I could do with some extra income
Things are feeling tighter than I expected
Money’s affecting how I feel
I’d like to see how other students manage it

“I want my money to go a bit further”

Most students are looking for ways to make their budget stretch further. There are plenty of opportunities to save money at Manchester, including 20% off food and drink at campus cafés, discounted bus travel, and low-cost fitness through ResFit – which is available to eligible students living in University halls for £99 a year.

If you’re not sure whether your spending is typical, our student budget breakdowns can help you understand what university life really costs and where you might be able to save.

There’s also Cosy Campus spaces you can access for free, where there’s hot water, microwave stations and washing up facilities, making it easier to bring food from home and save money throughout the week.

And saving money doesn’t have to mean missing out on student life. The Students’ Union’s Give it a Go programme lets you try student-led activities throughout the year without committing to a society membership. If you’re looking for more inspiration, our 100 Things to Do in Manchester guide is packed with free and low-cost experiences across the city.

“I could do with some extra income”

If you’d like a bit more breathing room financially, you’re not alone. Many students work alongside their studies, whether that’s to cover everyday costs, gain experience or both.

The Careers Service and Students’ Union Job Shop advertise part-time opportunities throughout the year, while the weekly Job Club drop-in at Essentials offers practical support with CVs, applications and finding student-friendly work.

Find out more from the Careers Service on finding part-time work, or access the drop-in service if you want to chat to someone on campus.

“Things are feeling tighter than I expected”

Lots of students need support at some point during university, and getting help early is completely normal.

Essentials is a Students’ Union space open to all students, offering a welcoming place to study, make a hot drink or have some breakfast between lectures. It also provides practical support through the Pantry and Wardrobe, helping students access everyday essentials when they need them.

If you’re worried about paying for food, rent, bills or travel, additional support is available through the Unexpected Financial Needs Fund, the Students’ Union Emergency Loan scheme and free money advice services.

“Money is starting to affect how I feel”

It’s normal for money worries to have an impact on your wellbeing as well as your finances. If things are starting to feel difficult, you can access support from the University and Students’ Union.

Sometimes a conversation can make things feel much more manageable, and our Budget Boost Guide has lots more information about support available if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

“I’d like to see how other students manage it”

Every student finds their own way of managing money at university. Read advice from Manchester including:

For more information on financial support, budgeting, discounts and money-saving opportunities, visit the Budget Boost Guide.

Undergraduate student