Living on a Student Budget in Exeter

Looking after your money whilst at university can be a challenge, but there are tips and tricks to help you, as student Brinda Paruthi discovered.

Before starting university, we all have a vague idea of budgeting. It often sounds something like this:

“Don’t spend too much.”

Helpful? Not really.

Between unexpected costs, the temptation of late-night Deliveroos, and the occasional “treat yourself” moment (which somehow turns into five), managing money at uni is a skill; I might even call it an art. But it doesn’t have to be painful.

Here’s your go-to guide made with tips and tricks used by myself and some picked up by my friends so you can survive and thrive in Exeter on a student budget – without living off toast and regrets.

Student Discounts & Freebies

1. TOTUM/NUS card

Your key to discounts on everything from food to clothes to travel.

2. UNiDAYS

Free app with discounts for students on brands like ASOS, Apple, and Boots.

3. StudentBeans

Another great discount app.

4. Exeter Student Guild Events

Follow their “What’s On” page for free and low-cost events – film nights, wellbeing sessions, fairs, etc.

All of these help you save on food, subscriptions, clothing, travel and much more.

Know Your Shops:

Groceries: Aldi, Asda and Lidl are best for cheap staples. Bring a backpack and maybe a flatmate – stock up! Co-op is great for quick trips (use StudentBeans to check if your nearest shop participates in their student discount scheme). Either way, wherever you choose to shop, get yourself a free loyalty card/membership to collect points and redeem vouchers (Waitrose allows you to grab a free coffee while you browse in-store if you are a member)
St Nicholas Market and Exeter Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, check location) can be surprisingly affordable for fresh produce if you shop smart. The University also hosts an occasional “Feed your Flat” day where you can go with your flat members and pick up ingredients for the chosen meal of the event – all provided by the university.
Too Good To Go App: Get surplus food from local cafés and restaurants (like Pret, Greggs, and Costa) at affordable prices; also a great way to reduce food waste.

Plan Your Meals

Create a loose weekly meal plan before shopping; spontaneity at the supermarket = expensive surprises.

Affordable Room Décor

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean your space has to feel like a storage cupboard.

Primark, IKEA and Wilko have affordable bedding, storage, and other home accessories.
Amazon can also be affordable especially with Prime (get your Prime subscription with your student discount)
Facebook Marketplace and local charity shops (like Exeter British Heart Foundation) are goldmines for second hand treasures.
DIY – photos from home, postcards, plants (fake ones if you can only commit to keeping yourself functioning).
Vinted and Depop are great places to find preloved items that might fit your budget and look perfect.

Free things to do in Exeter:

Take a walk along the Exeter Quay, through Rougemont Gardens or around Cathedral Green.
Visit The Royal Albert Memorial Museum – free entry and genuinely interesting.
Join campus societies: many offer free or cheap events even if you’re not a paid member.

Extras

Track your spending (try apps like Monzo or Emma)
Set weekly limits: yes, sometimes we need to say “no” and that’s a crucial part of growing up – be realistic with what aligns with your goals.
Batch cook and freeze – you’ll thank yourself during deadline nights.
Don’t compare spending – everyone budgets differently (or some people don’t budget at all, which you’ll realise when they’re asking to use your oat milk when their money runs out)

Being a student on a budget isn’t always easy but it is doable. With a little planning, some clever hacks, and the occasional impulse-resisted purchase, you can live well in Exeter without going broke. And remember: it’s okay to treat yourself sometimes just maybe not every time you pass a Pret.