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10 tips to get through university life cheaper

Are you a student and chronically broke at the end of the month? Whether it's the gym, cafeteria or sales - there are many life hacks that you can use to save money. With these everyday tricks you will definitely have more money left over for your living.

It's not a rumor, but a bitter truth: most students are barely making ends meet and have to save wherever they can. Fortunately, there are many offers that only apply to this group of people. For example, did you know that you can buy almost new items online for used prices?

Smart savings tips for students

#1. Affordable living

Dormitory instead of apartment! If you live alone, you not only have to pay more rent than in a dormitory or shared apartment, but you also risk expensive additional costs: high additional additional costs are not uncommon and can easily amount to 500 to 1,000 euros.

Tip: Anyone who receives BAföG can also be exempt from paying the broadcasting fee. This also applies to students who still live with their parents.

#2. Cooking sessions instead of fast food

"A pepperoni pizza, please." Such sins are expensive and quickly add up. Fast food costs around 5 to 10 euros per meal, while the cafeteria charges around 3.50 euros. In return you receive freshly prepared food. Even better is a cooking evening together. Once a week it is the turn of another roommate to spoil his roommates with culinary delights.

#3. Current account for students

If you're a student paying for your checking account, you should definitely switch to another provider or talk to your bank. Almost all institutes have free offers for students, some of which, like the DKB, even include a credit card. Find the best checking account for students now.

#4. Cheap cell phone tariffs

Smartphones in particular often prove to be a cost trap: the tariff is far too expensive and is charged for a full 24 months! We have already introduced you to some special student cell phone tariffs . It's also worth using the filter on Verivox, for example, to search and compare the prices. When you sign up, make sure that you really need the services. With Verivox you can, for example, specify which networks you want a flat rate for, what internet data volume you need or how long the contract should run. This way you can quickly find the right tariff for your student needs. By the way: you can usually use WiFi for free on the university network. It is best to contact your university directly to find out which access data is required for this.

#5. Shopping!

Shopping queens and kings pay attention: you can buy things significantly cheaper during sales. You can get stylish leather jackets, skinny jeans or a suit for the interview here for up to 70 percent cheaper. It therefore always makes sense to “pre-shop” for the next season. You can also benefit from customer cards or extra student discounts . For example, some hairdressers also look for hair models, which will give you a free haircut.

Tip: Check online whether the item is available cheaper. In many online shops such as Zalando, Otto or H&M, for example, you get 5 to 15% free for subscribing to the newsletter.

#6. Mobile on the go

As a rule, universities offer a cheap student ticket. A BahnCard pays off for students who particularly enjoy traveling, but not always. So compare the prices for long-distance buses and trains. Recently, bus journeys have become significantly cheaper and are often available for less than 10 euros. Download the apps of the different travel providers to get the latest offers and free trips.

#7. Study fit and healthy

It's a matter of faith which is the best gym in the city. However, the university sports offerings are often overlooked. Many universities even offer exotic disciplines such as Kendo, Pilates, Shiatsu or yoga and are usually around 50% cheaper than in the gym. The weight hall is open to all students without a contract. The fitness studios, on the other hand, often require you to take out a 12 or 24 month subscription.

#8th. The dear money

Be nice to him so you get enough of it - or get a student job: cashiers, promoters, service staff and salespeople are constantly needed. You can also quickly earn some extra money by donating blood, taking part in clinical studies or working as a ghostwriter. An internship or a student assistant job are other options that can also help you enormously in terms of your career.

#9. Used instead of new

Does it always have to be a new television? Many items are available used much cheaper. They hardly differ from new products, as some of them were only in operation for a few days. Depending on the item, there is a 10 to 20% discount for almost new goods.

#10. Wanderlust is calling!

Do you want to experience something but don't have the money for expensive package holidays? No problem, because with Couchsurfing, low budget travel or house sitting you can travel cheaply and save horrendous hotel costs. Many regional airports also offer cheaper flights outside of peak travel times. If you are absolutely flexible, you should try the “blind booking” adventure with your friends: Here, the destination is only announced after booking, which makes the flight incredibly cheap.

Conclusion: With these 10 savings tips you can easily make ends meet! But sometimes it's worth investing a little more money: cheap foods, for example, often skimp on high-quality ingredients, which is why they're less filling. (Expensive) nuts contain six times more vital substances. The cheap roll hardly fills you up and hunger quickly makes its presence known again.


Saving is easy! You can find 10 tips here.

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