So you can still have fun without breaking the bank

Being a student in Coventry doesn’t have to mean being constantly worrying about money. With a bit of planning and knowing your local spaces, you can stretch your budget and still enjoy university life.

Here are some of the most effective ways to save money while studying in Coventry.

1. Choose the right accommodation and share the costs

Have a look around at all the student accommodations Coventry has to offer. Do you prefer private housing, studios or single en-suites in shared flats?

One of the easiest ways to save big is by sharing accommodation. Whether you live in private housing or student halls, splitting rent and bills significantly lowers each person’s cost. Shared houses or student accommodation where utilities are included are often much cheaper per person than living alone. 

If you can, try to book early or opt for places a short distance from campus, sometimes a bit further out can mean £20–£40 per week less in rent, but that does end up including travel costs to and from the university. 

2. Cook at home and meal plan

Eating out frequently can drain your funds fast. Instead:

• Shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi for groceries, or sign up for Tesco club cards and Sainsbury’s nectar cards to catch discounted prices. You can manage food costs for around £100–£150/month if you cook regularly.
• Plan meals, buy in bulk, and cook for multiple days at once. Batch cooking (pasta, stew, curry, one-pot dishes) saves time and money.

Check out some of the affordable food spots in the city, or save some easy and budget-friendly recipes on the Residence Life food page. 

3. Walk, cycle or use student transport deals

Coventry is quite compact and student friendly when it comes to transport. Instead of relying on taxis or frequent pay as you go transport:

• If you can walk or ride a bike, that’s obviously free. Coventry has bike friendly infrastructure for students. 
• If you need public transport, consider a monthly bus pass or discounted student passes because they are often far cheaper than daily tickets.

4. Cut utility and living costs with smart habits

Living costs add up quickly, especially when you pay for bills on top of rent. You can reduce these costs by:

• Choosing all-inclusive student housing (rent + bills). It simplifies budgeting and often ends up cheaper per person.
• Conserving energy: switch off devices when not in use, use energy-efficient bulbs, take shorter showers, and be mindful of heating and water usage.
• Splitting bills fairly with housemates; apps like budgeting or expense-splitting tools can help you keep track easily.

5. Use student discounts and second-hand goods

Your student ID isn’t just for lectures, it can unlock a lot of savings.

Use discount apps or student cards for groceries, clothes, takeaways, entertainment and more. Many local shops and chains offer deals for students. Try UNiDays or StudentBeans. 

Buy second-hand furniture, books, or essentials via charity shops, online marketplaces or campus noticeboards. These are often much cheaper than new items.

6. Work part-time, but plan wisely

A part-time job can help top up your income while studying but make sure it fits with your course load. Many students in Coventry find flexible work (on-campus roles, shops, cafes or seasonal jobs). These can make a real difference when budgeting, especially since they can easily work around your timetabled lectures. Don't know where to start? Here's 5 part-time job ideas for students. 

Also, build a simple budgeting plan: track what you earn vs what you spend, and keep a small emergency fund for unexpected costs like medical expenses or urgent repairs. 

If you’re moving to Coventry soon or already settled, take a little time to design a budget that works for you. Small daily choices, like cooking dinner instead of ordering takeaway, or cycling instead of paying for transport quickly add up.

With a bit of thought, you can enjoy what makes university life great: friendship, learning, new experiences, without stressing every time you check your bank balance.