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Student Discounts You’re Probably Missing (And How to Snag Them)

Being a student often means balancing lectures, late nights and a bank balance that seems permanently on the edge. 

The good news is that there are far more discounts out there than most people actually use. You’ve probably heard of a few, but chances are you’re missing out on some really helpful ones – especially when it comes to travel, food, apps and everyday spending.

This guide walks you through the kinds of student discounts that often slip under the radar, and how to build a few simple habits that make saving money feel effortless rather than boring.

Travel Discounts: More Than Just a Railcard

Most students know railcards exist, but not everyone makes the most of them. If you’re eligible for a 16–25 Railcard, or a mature student railcard, it can be a game-changer.

It doesn’t just help for big cross-country journeys; it also softens the blow of those regular trips home, weekend visits to friends in other cities, or spontaneous days out when you need a break from campus. 

The key is remembering to actually use it. When you’re buying tickets online or at the station, always double-check that you’ve selected the railcard option. A surprising number of students forget and end up paying full fare by accident.

Coaches are another underrated option. Coach companies often offer young person or student cards that knock down the price of tickets quite significantly. They might take a bit longer than trains, but if you’ve got a podcast lined up and a snack stash, the journey can be perfectly manageable – especially when you see how much cheaper it is. 

Many coach operators run app-only deals or flash sales, particularly during quieter midweek periods. If your timetable is flexible, it’s worth checking what’s available before automatically booking the train.

Don’t forget local transport either. In many student cities, bus and tram companies run special student passes for a term or full year. At first glance, paying a lump sum can feel like a lot, but if you’re commuting to campus regularly, working a part-time job across town or constantly nipping out to see friends, the cost per trip can work out far cheaper than tapping your card every time. 

It’s worth doing a quick bit of maths: estimate how many journeys you do in a week and compare that with the cost of a weekly or term pass. You might find you’re able to travel more for less without even trying.

Student Discount Apps You’re Underusing

Student discount apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are pretty famous, but most people only use them for the obvious things like clothes and trainers. In reality, they cover far more. 

Once you start exploring, you’ll find discounts on food delivery, tech, beauty products, gym memberships and even some streaming and software subscriptions. Instead of only opening these apps when you’re buying a new hoodie, try making a habit of checking them whenever you’re about to make an online purchase. 

If you’re thinking about new headphones, skincare, a backpack or trainers, search the brand first. There’s a good chance you’ll find at least a small discount, and those small percentages add up over a year.

Physical student cards and schemes like TOTUM can also be handy. While a lot of offers have moved online, some independent cafés, local shops or food outlets around campus still respond better to a card you can show at the counter. They might not advertise student discounts heavily, but if you ask or flash your card, you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Cards like this sometimes come with access to extra deals on travel, attractions and days out too, which can be useful if you like exploring new places with friends.

The real trick with all these platforms is consistency rather than obsessiveness. You don’t need to become a full-time discount hunter. You just need to get into the rhythm of checking for an offer before clicking “checkout”.

Grocery and Food Shop Hacks

Your weekly food shop is one of the biggest regular expenses you’ll have, which is exactly why grocery discounts make such a difference. 

Supermarket loyalty cards are no longer just about collecting points slowly; many supermarkets offer special “member prices” on certain products that only show up when you scan your card or use the app. 

That means even if you’re just grabbing a lunch deal, a ready meal or a few snacks before a night in, you can end up paying noticeably less than the sticker price.

It helps to pick loyalty schemes for the supermarkets you already go to regularly, rather than signing up for every card under the sun. Once you’ve chosen your main one or two, add the cards to your phone wallet or app so you don’t have to dig around in your bag at the till. 

Over a term, the difference between paying full price and paying member price for your usual items can be pretty significant.

There’s also a clever stacking effect when you start combining discounts. If there’s a supermarket near campus that sometimes runs student promotions, you may be able to layer student discounts with loyalty prices and multibuy offers. It doesn’t feel dramatic in the moment, but when your weekly shop knocks a few pounds off here and there, your student budget stretches that bit further.

Reduced-to-clear items are another quiet student superpower. Later in the evening, many supermarkets reduce the price of food that’s close to its use-by date. If you’ve got a freezer and you’re willing to be flexible about what you eat, you can bag some great bargains. 

Grabbing reduced bread, meat, ready meals or desserts and freezing them means you’ve got cheap meals waiting for you when you need them. Just make sure you’re checking dates and storing things properly so nothing goes to waste.

Streaming, Tech and Software Savings

Most students use at least one music or video streaming service, but not everyone is paying the student rate when they could be. 

Many platforms have specific student plans that offer the same features as regular subscriptions for less, and sometimes throw in extra perks or bundles. It’s worth checking the account section of the services you already use to see whether there’s a student option you can switch to. 

If you’re signing up for something new, search for “student plan” rather than going straight for the standard one.

When it comes to software, there are even bigger savings to be had. Depending on your course, you might need access to word processing, spreadsheets, design tools or specialist programs. Before you pay for anything personally, check what your university already provides. 

Many institutions offer free or heavily discounted access to office suites, design software and cloud storage, especially if they’re essential for your course. Often, all you need is your university email address to activate educational licences. It’s very easy to accidentally waste money on subscriptions you were entitled to for free.

Laptops and tech purchases are another area where student discounts quietly sit in the background. Some brands offer student pricing on devices, accessories and even extended warranties. 

If you’re about to invest in a laptop or tablet you’ll rely on for years, it’s well worth taking a few minutes to look up whether the brand offers any student deals, either directly or through one of the student platforms. A small discount on a big-ticket item can save you a lot in one go.

Eating Out, Coffee and Social Life Discounts

Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying no to every meal out or coffee catch-up. Many chain restaurants and fast-food spots offer student discounts on food or drink, especially in busy student towns. 

Sometimes it’s a percentage off the total bill; other times it’s a free side or upgrade if you show student ID. Even if there’s no sign on the wall, it’s always worth asking at the counter or when you order. The worst they can say is no.

Coffee lovers can benefit too. A lot of cafés have loyalty schemes where you earn stamps or points towards a free drink. It doesn’t sound particularly exciting, but if you’re someone who grabs a latte before lectures or camps out in cafés to study, those free drinks start popping up fairly regularly. 

Some places also offer discounts for bringing a reusable cup, which means you’re saving money and being a bit kinder to the planet at the same time.

When it comes to entertainment, always look for student or concession tickets at cinemas, theatres and attractions. Many venues quietly offer reduced prices for students, especially for off-peak showings or midweek performances. 

You may have to tick a special option when booking online and show your student card on arrival, but the savings can be substantial. If you enjoy museums, galleries and cultural events, check whether they do student memberships that come with extra perks, such as guest passes or shop discounts.

Hidden University Perks That Are Basically Discounts

Not every discount comes in the form of money off at the till. Some of the most valuable “student discounts” are actually services your university provides that you might not be fully using. 

Campus gyms, for example, are often cheaper than big commercial ones and might include access to classes or sports clubs. If you’re paying full price elsewhere when there’s a decent facility linked to your uni, it’s worth comparing prices and seeing what you get for your money.

Your university may also offer free or subsidised printing, equipment loan schemes for things like cameras or laptops, and extensive careers support. Instead of paying for private CV writing services or renting expensive equipment for projects, you might be able to use what’s already available to you as a student. 

These benefits are easy to overlook because they feel like part of the background, but they’re a genuine way to save.

Building Simple Habits to Make Discounts Work for You

With so many offers floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and either obsess over every penny or give up and ignore them all. The sweet spot sits somewhere in the middle. 

Try turning discounts into small habits rather than big events. When you shop online, quickly check a student app or search for the brand name plus “student discount” before you pay. 

When you’re in a shop or café, make a habit of asking if they do student discounts or scanning your loyalty app. Keep your most-used cards and apps on your phone’s home screen so they’re always within reach.

It’s also important not to let the idea of saving money push you into overspending. A discount is only useful if you were going to buy the thing anyway. 

Before pressing “buy”, it helps to pause and ask yourself whether you’d still want it at full price. If the answer is no, the discount is probably just tempting you into spending rather than genuinely helping your budget.

Final Thoughts: Small Savings, Big Impact

Student life can be expensive, but you’re also in a unique phase where companies are genuinely keen to give you cheaper deals. 

If you learn to make smart use of travel discounts, student apps, grocery loyalty schemes, streaming and software offers, and the hidden perks at your own university, you can stretch your money much further without cutting out all the fun parts of being a student.

You don’t need to turn into a hardcore bargain hunter to benefit. A few small habits – checking for discounts before you buy, asking at the till, using loyalty cards and making the most of what your uni already offers – can quietly add up over the year. 

And the more you save on the everyday stuff, the more freedom you have to say yes to the experiences you really care about.

How to Get Involved in National Self Care Week

National Self Care Week arrives just when students often need it most: the nights are darker, deadlines are creeping up and energy levels are dipping. 

Officially, the UK-wide campaign runs from 17–23 November 2025, but many universities and colleges will be running activities across the whole week of 18–24 November, making it an ideal moment to pause, reset and think about how you look after yourself and the people around you. 

What National Self Care Week Is All About

National Self Care Week is an annual awareness week led by the Self Care Forum, a UK charity that exists to embed self-care into everyday life. 

It focuses on helping people develop the knowledge, confidence and habits to look after their own health and wellbeing, with support from communities and services, rather than only turning to the NHS when things reach crisis point. 

A Simple Definition of Self-Care

The Self Care Forum defines self-care as the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others, in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness. 

In practice, that might mean everyday choices like eating reasonably well, moving your body, sleeping enough, managing stress, seeking support when you need it and knowing when to use a pharmacy, NHS 111 or a GP. 

It is less about spa days and more about tiny, consistent decisions that help you stay well. 

The 2025 Theme: Mind and Body

The theme for National Self Care Week 2025 is “Mind and Body”. The idea is to highlight how closely mental and physical health are linked, and to encourage people to see self-care as something that supports both together rather than treating them as separate boxes. 

The Self Care Forum is promoting the full “self-care continuum”, from lifestyle choices to managing minor illnesses and long-term conditions, but this year there is a particular emphasis on the benefits of movement and physical activity for overall wellbeing. 

Why Self-Care Matters for Students

Student life can be exciting, but it is also full of pressure: academic work, part-time jobs, money worries, friendships, relationships and sometimes living away from home for the first time. 

It is very easy to slip into a pattern of late nights, irregular meals and constant stress, then wonder why everything feels harder than it should. Self-care gives you a way to manage that load more sustainably. 

Looking after your mind and body tends to improve concentration, mood and resilience, and it can reduce the need for last-minute urgent appointments by helping you spot issues earlier and use services appropriately. 

Everyday Self-Care on Campus

National Self Care Week is a good excuse to experiment with a kinder daily routine rather than trying to reinvent your life overnight. 

You might decide to walk to campus instead of always taking the bus, add a short stretch or movement break between study sessions, or make a simple plan for regular meals instead of skipping food when deadlines loom. 

You could also build in a daily “check-in” with yourself, asking how your mind and body feel and then taking one small action, such as drinking water, stepping outside for fresh air, messaging a friend or booking a chat with student support if something has been bothering you for a while.

Using the Right Health Support at the Right Time

A big part of the Self Care Week message is about using the right kind of help for different situations. 

Community pharmacies, for example, are highlighted as an accessible first stop for advice on common conditions like coughs, colds, minor skin issues or tummy upsets, and pharmacists can also help you understand medicines and decide when it is time to see a GP or use other NHS services. 

Alongside this, the Self Care Forum provides fact sheets and toolkits that organisations often share during the week, so it is worth checking your university’s website and social channels for links to reliable information rather than relying on random search results.

Getting Involved with Events and Activities

Many universities, colleges and local health partners run events during National Self Care Week, ranging from wellbeing walks and yoga sessions to drop-in stalls, mental health workshops and pharmacy or GP information stands. 

It is worth keeping an eye on your students’ union, wellbeing service and library noticeboards to see what is happening on your campus between 18 and 24 November. 

Even something small, like attending a short talk about stress, joining a group walk or popping by a stall to pick up a leaflet, can remind you that you are not the only one trying to juggle everything and that support is available. 

Helping Friends and Flatmates Look After Themselves

Self-care is personal, but it is also social. The Self Care Forum emphasises that self-care often happens “with others” as much as alone, which means there is real value in gently looking out for friends and flatmates. 

During Self Care Week you might check in with someone who has gone quiet, suggest a shared meal or walk if a friend seems overwhelmed, or offer to go along with them if they want to visit a GP, counselling service or pharmacy but feel nervous. 

You do not need to become anyone’s therapist; simply being a calm, non-judgemental presence and reminding people of the support available can make a big difference.

Spreading Awareness On and Offline

If you enjoy social media or student journalism, Self Care Week is a great chance to help spread useful messages rather than just doomscrolling. 

The Self Care Forum and many local organisations share ready-made graphics and posts focused on physical wellbeing, pharmacy use, mental wellness, common conditions and long-term conditions, which you can re-share or adapt with your own perspective as a student. 

You could write a short piece for a student newsletter, create a simple Instagram story about what self-care looks like for you, or encourage your society to post something aligned with the “Mind and Body” theme. 

Making Self-Care Last Beyond the Week

Perhaps the most important part of National Self Care Week is what happens afterwards. The campaign exists to encourage long-term habits, not just a one-off burst of good intentions. 

As the week ends, choose one small mind-focused habit, such as a daily check-in, journalling or taking five minutes to breathe before bed, and one body-focused habit, such as adding a short walk, prioritising sleep on most nights or drinking more water. 

Tell a friend what you are trying so you can gently keep each other on track. Over time, these small changes can make student life more manageable and more enjoyable. 

Self-care is not about being perfect; it is about giving yourself the best chance to feel well enough to learn, connect and make the most of your time at university, long after the campaign posters come down.

The Rise of Co-Living Spaces: A New Trend in Student Housing

Co-living is a modern twist on shared housing: private bedrooms (often en-suite) clustered around high-quality communal spaces, with utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning of shared areas, and on-site amenities bundled into a single monthly payment. 

Think of it as a ready-made household with built-in services and a social calendar. For students, the appeal is obvious. University life is busier, cities are pricier, and time is tight. 

Co-living promises an easy move-in, predictable bills, and an instant community – without the admin headache that can come with traditional house shares.

How it differs from traditional student lets

In a conventional student rental or HMO, you’re typically responsible for finding housemates, setting up energy and broadband accounts, dividing bills, and chasing payments. Landlord standards vary, and so does the furniture quality. 

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) solved some of this with managed halls, but co-living goes a step further by emphasising lifestyle: bigger, better communal kitchens and lounges, co-working zones, gyms, cinema rooms, and curated events. 

The lease terms often run more flexibly than a standard twelve-month contract, and many properties sit in central locations that would be hard to access as a small group on the open market.

The upside: convenience, community, and flexibility

Co-living’s headline benefit is convenience. One inclusive fee simplifies budgeting and removes the monthly “who owes what” conversation. 

Maintenance is handled by on-site teams, shared spaces are cleaned regularly, and move-in can be as simple as turning up with a suitcase and your laptop. For international students or those arriving late in the cycle, this friction-free setup can be a lifesaver.

Equally important is the sense of community. Co-living operators invest in programming – from study clubs and skills workshops to film nights and local volunteering – which helps new arrivals find their crowd faster. 

The architecture supports that aim: large social kitchens, inviting lounges, outdoor terraces, and quiet corners for focused study. When done well, these environments can boost wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and create supportive networks that spill over into academic life.

Flexibility matters too. Some co-living buildings offer shorter stays, rolling extensions, or semester-length contracts, which can suit placements, Masters timetables, or students splitting time between home and campus. 

With furnishings, security, and broadband bundled in, switching rooms or upgrading to a studio is often straightforward if your circumstances change.

The trade-offs: privacy, pricing, and house rules

The biggest compromise is privacy. Even with an en-suite, you’re sharing kitchens and common areas with a larger number of residents than a typical five-bed house. That can mean more noise, more traffic at peak times, and less control over the vibe. If you’re protective of your routine, you may find the constant low-level bustle tiring.

Pricing can also be a sticking point. Although the advertised rent includes bills and amenities, the headline monthly figure may be higher than splitting a traditional house – especially in cities where student HMOs are plentiful. 

The premium goes towards convenience, central locations, and facilities; whether that’s good value depends on how much you’ll actually use the extras. It’s worth comparing the “all-in” co-living price with a realistic HMO budget that includes energy, broadband, contents insurance, and occasional repairs.

Finally, co-living comes with rules. Expect guest policies, quiet hours, and booking systems for popular spaces. Some students love the structure; others find it restrictive compared with a private rental where your household sets the norms. 

Because communities are larger and more fluid, you may also experience a more transient feel as residents move in and out across the year.

Who co-living suits – and who may be better elsewhere

Co-living is a strong fit for first-years who missed halls, international students seeking a soft landing, and postgraduates who value reliable study spaces and on-site support. It also suits students who want to live centrally without wrangling separate bills, or those who thrive in a social, activity-rich environment.

By contrast, if you crave a tight-knit household, love to customise your space, or plan to host regular dinners and gatherings on your own terms, a traditional shared house may feel more “yours.” 

Students on a strict student budget or those with established friendship groups often find HMOs more cost-effective and personally controllable – provided someone is willing to take on the admin.

Before you sign: key questions to ask

Treat co-living like any major housing decision. Ask how many people share each kitchen and what the cleaning schedule covers. 

Clarify what “all bills included” actually means – are energy caps in place, and what happens if they’re exceeded? Check the booking system for gyms, study rooms, and cinema spaces at peak times. 

Understand guest rules, deposit protection, and guarantor requirements, and confirm whether you’ll be charged for minor wear and tear. If possible, visit at two different times of day to gauge noise levels and how the space functions when busy.

The takeaway

Co-living has risen because it solves real student pain points: complexity, isolation, and inconsistent rental standards. Done well, it offers an elegant, all-in solution that blends privacy with community and places you close to campus life and the city. 

But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. 

Weigh the convenience and social perks against the trade-offs in privacy, freedom, and price. If the amenities match your lifestyle and you’ll make use of the programming, co-living can be a smart, stress-saving upgrade. 

If not, a well-chosen traditional let may still deliver the best blend of autonomy, value, and home-comforts for your student years.

Volunteering Near You: A Student’s Guide to Doing Good, Feeling Great, and Getting Ahead

Volunteering isn’t just a nice thing to do on a rainy Sunday; it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your wellbeing and your future career. 

If you’re studying in the United Kingdom, you’re surrounded by opportunities to pitch in – on campus, in your neighbourhood, and online. 

This guide breaks down how to find roles that fit your life, why giving back genuinely boosts your mood and mental health, and how to turn your experience into CV gold without sounding like you’re trying too hard.

Why volunteering works (for your head and your horizon)

There’s a reason every good careers adviser and every wellbeing campaign keeps bringing up volunteering: it quietly strengthens the very things students say they want – confidence, connection, and clarity.

On the wellbeing side, volunteering hits several of the UK’s widely used “Five Ways to Wellbeing”: connect (you meet people beyond your usual circle), be active (shifts you out of your study bubble), keep learning (training and new tasks), take notice (you begin to notice needs and wins around you), and of course give (which feels good – seriously). 

That sense of purpose is a strong antidote to stress, loneliness, and the “what am I even doing?” spiral that crops up mid-term.

On the career side, volunteering is practical proof. It demonstrates reliability, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and initiative – exactly the competencies UK employers screen for. 

It can also provide UK-specific experience if you’ve moved here for university, which helps your CV land in the right pile. And if you’re not yet sure about your path, a few weeks with a local charity can be the fastest way to test whether a field is really for you.

Where to find opportunities in the UK (that actually fit a student timetable)

You don’t need to cold-call twenty organisations. Start with the places built to connect students and local causes:

On campus: Most Students’ Unions have a volunteering hub or portal, with roles tailored to term-time schedules – mentoring in local schools, fundraising for regional charities, sustainability projects, or event support. Ask about one-off “give it a go” sessions if you want to dip a toe first.

Local councils: Search “[your council name] + volunteering”. Councils often list opportunities with libraries, museums, parks, youth services, and community events. In England, you’ll also find Active Partnerships for sport and physical activity roles.

National charities with local branches: Think British Red Cross, Age UK, Shelter, Mind, St John Ambulance, Trussell Trust food banks, FareShare, RSPB, National Trust, Canal & River Trust, and Samaritans. These organisations provide structured training and clear safeguarding – great for first-time volunteers.

Healthcare and wellbeing: From hospital volunteering teams to NHS-linked schemes, roles include wayfinding, ward befriending, admin support, and community outreach. If you’re eyeing a health career, this experience is both meaningful and relevant.

Mentoring and tutoring: Programmes working with schools and youth groups run throughout the UK, including in deprived wards where a consistent, friendly face can be life-changing. If you prefer academic-adjacent work, this is a perfect fit.

Nation-specific portals: Try Volunteer Scotland, Volunteering Wales, and Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) for local listings. In England, platforms like Do IT and Reach Volunteering (for skilled/remote roles) are useful, especially if you want something flexible or from home.

How to choose the right role (so you stick with it)

The best role is the one you’ll actually turn up for. Be honest about your energy and timetable. If you’re juggling labs or placement hours, look for weekend shifts, micro-volunteering, or time-limited projects (festivals, charity runs, campaigns). 

If you want consistency, a weekly two-hour shift can be easier to maintain than a monthly marathon.

Check the practicalities: is there training? Will travel expenses be reimbursed (many UK charities do)? Do you need a DBS check (common for roles with children or adults at risk)? What’s the minimum commitment? Ask these questions up front – good organisations will be ready with answers.

Finally, align the cause with your values. Love nature? Conservation days with a local park or river trust. Passionate about mental health? Peer support programmes through UK charities. Obsessed with sport? Junior coaching or Parkrun volunteering. 

When the mission resonates, motivation follows.

Make it count on your CV (and LinkedIn)

Don’t bury your volunteering beneath part-time jobs; give it proper space. Use a role title the reader will recognise (“Volunteer Receptionist, NHS Trust” beats “Helper”). Then translate duties into outcomes:

• “Welcomed 100+ patients per shift and coordinated check-ins, improving average wait times by 8 minutes.”

• “Delivered weekly 1:1 reading support to two Year 7 pupils; both improved their termly reading age by one year.”

• “Raised £1,200 in donations by co-leading a campus campaign, managing social content and a pop-up stall.”

Keep it specific (numbers help) and use the STAR method for interview prep – Situation, Task, Action, Result. On LinkedIn, tag the organisation, add media (photos with permission, a campaign poster, or a short reflection), and ask a supervisor for a brief recommendation.

Balance study, life, and service without burning out

Volunteering should refuel you, not drain you. Time-box your shifts (for example, Saturday mornings 10–12), treat them as sacred appointments, and choose nearby roles to keep travel simple. 

During exam periods, switch to micro-volunteering – quick tasks you can do from your laptop, like proofreading, data entry, or digital comms. If it ever starts adding stress rather than easing it, speak up; good charities will flex your hours or help you pause.

A realistic note on boundaries, costs, and safety

Healthy boundaries are part of responsible volunteering. You’re not on call 24/7. Stick to agreed tasks and escalate anything outside your remit – especially in support roles. 

Most UK charities reimburse reasonable travel and lunch expenses for longer shifts – ask about the policy. And be aware of safeguarding: legitimate organisations will provide training and never ask you to pay to volunteer or to do anything that feels unsafe or untrained. 

Remember: always trust your instincts.

Flexibility first: micro-volunteering, remote roles, and one-off events

If your timetable looks like a Tetris game, target flexible formats. Micro-volunteering tasks (minutes to an hour) might include captioning short videos, translating, moderating forums, or creating simple graphics. 

Remote roles suit those living off-campus or commuting; many UK charities now offer digital outreach, research, or admin projects you can do from home. One-off events – charity runs, museum late nights, litter-picks, or festival stewarding – are brilliant for quick wins and meeting new people fast.

Build your personal “impact portfolio”

Keep a simple log: dates, hours, tasks, training completed, outcomes, and a sentence on what you learned. Snap photos (with permission), collect certificates, and note compliments or feedback. 

Over time, this becomes a mini-portfolio you can share with potential employers or attach to placement applications. It’s also a lovely reminder on low-motivation days that your contributions add up.

A weekend plan to get you started

Friday evening: Spend 30 minutes listing causes you care about and the skills you want to grow (e.g., comms, leadership, data, public speaking). Search your SU portal and your council page; shortlist three roles that fit your schedule.

Saturday morning: Draft one clear email or application per role. Keep it short: who you are, why this cause, what time you can offer, and any relevant experience. Attach your CV if requested.

Sunday afternoon: Do one micro-task – join a local litter-pick, marshal at Parkrun, or help your SU’s upcoming event. You’ll get a feel for volunteering dynamics while your applications are being reviewed.

By Monday you’ll have momentum, a small win, and a plan.

Example paths by interest (UK-flavoured ideas)

• Health & care: Hospital volunteering, telephone befriending for older residents, vaccination or first-aid event support with recognised UK providers.

• Environment: RSPB reserves, National Trust properties, urban tree planting, canal clean-ups with the Canal & River Trust.

• Community & poverty relief: Food bank shifts with Trussell Trust partners, surplus food sorting with FareShare, fundraising stalls at local markets.

• Heritage & culture: Volunteer stewards in museums and galleries, archives projects, oral history interviews.

• Sport & youth: Coaching support with local clubs, Scouts/Guides, school reading mentors, university widening participation programmes.

• Mental wellbeing: Awareness campaigns, peer support training with UK charities, community pop-ups signposting to local services.

Turning volunteering into opportunity (without being cringe)

You’re not “using” a charity; you’re growing while you give. Be open about your goals – skills you want to develop, hours you can offer, and the kind of feedback you’d appreciate. Ask for training. Offer to shadow tasks you’re curious about. When you’ve contributed meaningfully, it’s perfectly fine to request a reference or a LinkedIn recommendation.

Network naturally: chat to staff and fellow volunteers, attend briefings, and follow the organisation on social media. Many students discover paid casual roles or summer internships through the connections they’ve made on shift.

Final thoughts: start small, start nearby, start now

Volunteering near you doesn’t need a grand plan or a heroic time commitment. It’s about showing up – regularly, kindly, and with a willingness to learn. In return, you’ll get a steadier mind, a stronger network, and a CV that tells a real story about who you are and what you care about.

So pick one cause, one hour, one Saturday. Send the message. Turn up. You’ll help someone else – and you’ll surprise yourself with how good that feels.

Road Safety Week – Everything You Need to Know

Road Safety Week is your annual reminder to look up, slow down, and think about how we share streets, pavements, and cycle lanes. 

It’s a national moment for schools, colleges, families, and communities to turn good intentions into everyday habits. This year it begins on 17 November and runs for a full week, giving everyone time to learn something new, try a safer routine, and encourage friends to do the same.

What Road Safety Really Means

Road safety is more than remembering to “look both ways.” It’s a set of simple, proven behaviours – from wearing seat belts and helmets to using crossings and respecting speed limits – that help keep everyone safe, whether you’re walking to lectures, hopping on a bus, cycling to training, or catching a lift. 

It also includes the social side of travel: being considerate, staying alert, and speaking up when something feels risky. When these behaviours become normal, roads feel calmer, journeys run smoothly, and accidents are far less likely.

When It Happens and Why It Matters

Road Safety Week starts on 17 November and lasts seven days. Schools and colleges often use the week to host assemblies, invite local officers to speak, or run creative activities that bring the message to life. 

Even if you don’t drive, you use the road environment daily. Small choices – crossing at the right place, putting your phone away near traffic, checking bike lights before you set off – can make a big difference. 

Winter only raises the stakes, with darker evenings and slippery surfaces adding extra risk, so a mid-November reset is perfectly timed.

Safer Journeys on Foot

Walking is the most common way students travel, and it’s where distraction causes the most near-misses. Planning a familiar, well-lit route reduces the urge to take last-minute chances at awkward junctions. 

As you approach a crossing, making brief eye contact with drivers helps confirm you’ve been seen, especially if a bus or parked van is blocking sight lines. Keeping your phone in your pocket until you’re well away from the curb removes a major source of risk. 

In the darker months, light-coloured layers or a small reflective accessory make you far more visible without cramping your style.

Confident Cycling and Scooting

If you’re on two wheels, predictability is your best friend. A quick check of brakes, tyres, reflectors, and lights before you roll away can prevent issues later on. 

Riding a little out from the curb makes you more visible and keeps you clear of sudden hazards like car doors and potholes. Clear hand signals, steady positioning, and eye contact with drivers at junctions all help others to give you space. 

To tip: A well-fitted helmet adds a final layer of protection, particularly on busy routes or in poor weather.

Being a Better Passenger

Passengers shape the journey more than they realise. Belting up on every seat, every trip – even for two minutes down the road – is non-negotiable. 

If a driver is distracted, speeding, or trying to text, it’s reasonable to ask them to pause or pull over; a calm, direct comment often resets the tone. When sharing lifts, agree simple rules in advance: phones away for the driver, music at a sensible volume, and no pressure to rush. 

Choosing trusted drivers and sharing your live location with a friend can add reassurance on late journeys.

Night and Winter Travel

Shorter days bring visibility challenges and tricky surfaces. Adding a clip-on light, a reflective band, or a bright cover on your bag helps drivers and cyclists spot you earlier. 

Take corners and curbs with a touch more care; wet leaves, puddles, and ice can be deceptive. Give yourself extra time so you’re not sprinting across roads or weaving between vehicles to make a lecture or train. 

Top tip: Slowing the pace slightly often makes the journey safer and, paradoxically, less stressful.

Using Buses and Public Transport

Buses are brilliant for budgets and the planet, but they can create blind spots. 

Avoid dashing across the road to catch one – there will always be another- and never step out immediately in front of or behind a stopped bus, as approaching traffic may not see you. At stops, give yourself a little space from the curb and be mindful of crowds, especially at night. 

When getting off, take a second to re-orient yourself before crossing, as your view and speed can be distorted after a seated ride.

Phones, Friends, and the Social Bit

Travel is social, and groups can either raise or lower risk. Agreeing a “phones-down at crossings” habit with your friends turns safety into a team effort. 

If someone is messing around at the edge of the pavement or daring traffic, a friendly nudge to step back is more powerful than it sounds. 

Celebrating good habits – the mate who always uses lights, the driver who waits patiently at a zebra crossing – helps set a positive norm that others copy without thinking.

Getting Your School or College Involved

If your campus hasn’t planned anything for Road Safety Week, starting small works well. 

A ten-minute tutor-time briefing with three local safety tips can spark useful conversations. A “be seen” day with reflective stickers or a quick free lights check outside the bike racks makes the theme visible. 

Mapping the trickiest crossings or fastest-moving streets around your site and sharing the results with your student union or local council turns observation into action. The key is to make one change that lasts beyond the week.

Encouraging Others Without the Lecture

People respond better to encouragement than to finger-wagging. Share a quick story of a near-miss that made you change a habit, or invite a friend to walk a safer route with you once so it becomes familiar. 

If you’re in a lift club, agree house rules together so no one feels singled out. On social media, swap scare tactics for practical micro-tips: pocket the phone at curbs, make eye contact at junctions, check lights before leaving, and add a reflective touch after dark.

The Bottom Line

Road Safety Week from 17 November isn’t about fear; it’s about confidence. A handful of small, smart choices – planning routes, staying visible, keeping focus, and speaking up – turn everyday trips into safer, calmer journeys. 

Start with one change today, keep it going tomorrow, and you’ll not only protect yourself, but also set the tone for friends, classmates, and your wider community.

Getting Around Exeter: Transport Tips for Students

Exeter might be hilly in parts (hello, Streatham campus), but it’s a compact, student-friendly city with plenty of ways to get from lectures to lattes without burning through your student budget. 

Buses connect campuses and neighbourhoods, cycling is popular thanks to traffic-calmed routes and waterside paths, trains link you across Devon and beyond, and there are handy car- and bike-share options when you need them. 

The trick is knowing which option fits your day, your timetable and your wallet.

Buses: Your Day-to-Day Workhorse

If you’re studying at Streatham or St Luke’s, buses will likely be your default. 

Stagecoach runs frequent services across the city, including the popular UNI and 4 routes that link campus and the city centre, with late-night coverage on key student nights so you’re not stranded after a library session or society social. 

For savings, look at student tickets and term passes. The university highlights a reduced-price “Termrider” for unlimited travel in the Exeter area during term time – ideal if you’re commuting daily or bouncing between campus, part-time work and sports. 

Buy once, ride often, and stop worrying about topping up. 

Rail: Quick Hops and Weekend Escapes

Exeter has three central stations – St Davids (the main hub), Central and St Thomas – so you’re rarely far from a platform. 

St Davids handles most long-distance and regional services (Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and CrossCountry), making it your springboard to the beach at Exmouth, surf spots down to Cornwall, or city breaks to Bristol and London. If you’re living near the High Street, Exeter Central can be a convenient alternative. 

If you’re mixing bus and train, PlusBus is worth a look: add it to your rail ticket for unlimited local bus travel on the same day – perfect for station-to-campus connections without extra faff. Day prices are clearly listed and can work out cheaper than buying tickets separately. 

Budget Savers: Passes, Bundles and Park & Ride

Think of Exeter as a “bundle city.” DayRider and group tickets can be cost-effective on busy days, while term passes flatten your costs over the semester. 

If you drive in occasionally (or your parents drop you off for a big shop), Park & Ride is a low-stress option: leave the car at edge-of-city sites and hop on frequent buses within the DayRider zone, dodging city-centre parking fees. 

For those rare moments you need a car – flat move, IKEA run, cinema trip with friends – pay-as-you-go car clubs in Exeter let you book by the hour with insurance and fuel included. You only pay when you actually use a vehicle, which keeps costs down versus full-time ownership. 

Students can sign up online and pick up cars from bays around the city. 

Cycling: Scenic, Fast and Surprisingly Flat (If You Pick the Right Routes)

Exeter rewards cyclists who plan their route. Main roads can be steep, but quieter backstreets and signed paths make everyday cycling doable – and often quicker than waiting for a bus at peak times. 

A star draw is the Exe Estuary Trail: a largely off-road, mostly flat, 26-mile path threading through Exeter, Topsham and out to Exmouth and Dawlish Warren. It’s great for weekend spins, sunrise coffee runs, or a brain-clearing ride after deadlines. 

Practical tips: fit lights (winter sunsets sneak up on you), add a decent lock, and consider mudguards – Devon showers happen. If hills to Streatham feel intimidating, try an e-bike for a boost; the city’s electric bike-share scheme (Co-Bikes) has been returning with new stations, making e-assists more accessible for short hops.

Bike- and Car-Share: Flex Without the Commitment

Owning a bike or car isn’t essential in Exeter. Electric bike-share is ideal for “sweat-free” climbs to campus or quick trips across town, and pay-as-you-go car clubs cover those occasional journeys that aren’t bus- or bike-friendly. 

The big win is flexibility: you can choose the right mode for each day – bike to lectures, bus to town, train to the coast – without sinking cash into assets you barely use.

Smart Planning: Apps, Timing and Safety

A little planning goes a long way. Check live bus times before you leave; Exeter’s services are frequent, but shaving five minutes off your wait can be the difference between a relaxed arrival and a sweaty jog to your seminar. 

Trains can be cheaper when booked early – set alerts for weekend trips. 

When cycling, pick routes that trade gradients for calmer streets, and use the riverside paths where possible. Lock your bike in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and walk with friends late at night – common-sense habits that make city life smoother.

The Bottom Line

Exeter’s size and layout make it perfect for multimodal travel. Use buses for reliable everyday links, trains for adventures and placements, bikes for freedom and headspace, and shared vehicles when you need extra carrying power. 

Mix and match to suit your timetable and budget, keep an eye on student deals, and you’ll find getting around Exeter is not just manageable – it’s part of the fun of living here.

Meal-Prep for £25 a Week: A Student’s Guide to Tasty, Flexible Cooking

Eating well on a student budget isn’t about sad salads or endless noodles. It’s about planning smart, buying once, and cooking in batches so you’re not tempted by last-minute takeaways. 

With a bit of structure, £25 can stretch across breakfasts, lunches and dinners for a week – especially if you lean on store-brand staples, a few versatile flavour boosters, and a rotating menu so you don’t get bored. 

The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s a repeatable system that keeps you full, saves time, and tastes good.

The Rotation Rule (So You Don’t Burn Out)

Menu rotation is your secret weapon. Instead of reinventing meals every week, pick a simple two-week cycle with themed nights – think “pasta night”, “rice bowl night”, “soup & toast night”, “baked potato night”, and “one-pot curry night”. 

Within each theme, switch the flavours. One week your pasta is a garlicky tomato and spinach number; the next it’s roasted veg with a splash of pesto. By repeating formats but changing the seasonings or veggies, your shopping stays predictable and cheap while your meals stay interesting.

The £25 Basket: What to Buy and Why

Your trolley should be heavy on basics and light on pricey extras. Focus on oats, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes, beans or chickpeas, eggs, value bread, and seasonal veg like onions, carrots, peppers, and whatever’s reduced. 

Add milk or a plant alternative, a block of cheddar (or another value cheese), yoghurt, and one or two flavour “investments” such as a small jar of curry paste or a tube of tomato purée. A few spices go a long way – garlic powder, chilli flakes, paprika, mixed herbs and stock cubes will turn bland into brilliant. 

If you’re omnivorous, a pack of frozen chicken thighs or a value bag of white fish can stretch across multiple meals; if you’re veggie, swap in lentils, tofu, or extra eggs.

A typical £25 shop might include, in value ranges: porridge oats, milk, eggs, bread, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes, chickpeas or mixed beans, frozen veg, onions, carrots, peppers, spinach, yoghurt, cheddar, a curry paste or spice blend, stock cubes, and a couple of fruit items for snacks. 

You’ll refine this after week one: if you ran out of oats early but still have pasta left, you’ll know what to adjust.

A 7-Day Budget Menu You’ll Actually Eat

Here’s a sample plan that fits the rotation rule and keeps prep simple. Swap items based on deals you find.

Breakfasts: Keep these consistent to save brainpower. Porridge with sliced banana or peanut butter is cheap, filling and quick. Alternate with yoghurt, oats and frozen berries stirred together the night before for an easy overnight mix. If you like savoury, scrambled eggs on toast a couple of mornings adds protein.

Lunches: Make a big pot of something on Sunday – soup, chilli, or curry – and portion it into tubs. Think tomato-lentil soup with carrots and onions, chickpea & spinach curry, or bean chilli with peppers. Pair lunch with toast, a baked potato, or leftover rice to keep it interesting across the week.

Dinners:

• Mon – Pasta Night: Penne with tomato, garlic, and spinach. Add a sprinkle of cheese and chilli flakes.

• Tue – Rice Bowl Night: Turmeric rice topped with roasted vegetables (carrot, pepper, onion) and a fried egg or chickpeas.

• Wed – Soup & Toast: The big-batch soup you made, plus toast with a smear of pesto or cheese.

• Thu – Baked Potato Night: Crispy oven potato topped with bean chilli and a spoon of yoghurt.

• Fri – One-Pot Curry: Chickpeas simmered in curry paste with tinned tomatoes; stir in spinach at the end and serve with rice.

• Sat – Stir-Fry Night: Noodles or rice tossed with frozen veg, garlic, soy (or a dash of vinegar & salt), and egg strips or tofu.

• Sun – Traybake Night: Roast whatever veg you’ve got with paprika and mixed herbs; add chicken thighs or tofu cubes if budget allows. Serve with couscous or leftover rice.

Notice how the formats repeat week to week, but flavours, veg and protein can rotate with deals. Next week, your pasta night could be roasted pepper and tomato with a spoon of soft cheese; your curry could be lentil-based; your stir-fry might lean ginger and lime if you’ve got them.

The 90-Minute Sunday Prep Flow

Batching once sets you up for an easy week. Start by chopping a pile of onions, carrots and peppers; sauté half for soup and half for chilli or curry. While those simmer, cook a tray of roasted veg and a pot of rice. 

Portion everything into containers: two or three lunches from soup, two from curry, and a box of roasted veg ready to drop into pasta, wraps or rice bowls. Grate half your cheese now and stash it in a sealed tub – pre-grated at home stops you over-using it out of laziness later. 

Finally, boil six eggs if you like quick protein snacks or salad toppers. That’s breakfasts sorted, lunches boxed, and the bulk of dinner prep done before the week starts.

Shopping List Rotation: How to Keep It Fresh (Without Spending More)

To rotate your shopping while staying under £25, alternate your “hero” items weekly. One week, buy curry paste and frozen spinach; next week, skip the paste and grab a small jar of pesto and a bag of frozen mixed veg. 

Week three, rotate in red lentils and a block of tofu or a small pack of chicken thighs; week four, go heavy on tinned fish for baked potato toppings and pasta. 

The backbone (oats, bread, milk, eggs, tomatoes, rice/pasta, onions) stays steady. The flavour drivers and proteins change. It’s like playlist shuffling for your food – same vibe, different tracks.

Smart Swaps That Save Pounds

Cheese doesn’t have to be fancy; value cheddar crumbles nicely and melts beautifully. Frozen veg is often cheaper per portion and won’t go slimy in the salad drawer. Tinned tomatoes are non-negotiable for sauces and soups; tomato purée boosts richness for pennies. 

If soy sauce is out of budget, a splash of vinegar plus a pinch of salt and sugar gives a similar umami nudge. 

For protein, eggs offer the best price-to-satiety ratio; beans and lentils are next. Meat eaters can stretch a little meat a long way by shredding cooked chicken into soups and rice bowls rather than making it the star.

Make It Tasty: Budget Flavour Tricks

Seasoning is where most budget plans fall down. Keep a mini “flavour toolkit”: garlic powder for when you’ve run out of fresh cloves, paprika for warmth, chilli flakes for kick, mixed herbs for pasta and soups, and stock cubes for depth. 

Toast spices briefly in oil before adding liquids; it wakes them up. A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar right at the end brightens anything tomato-based. 

Yoghurt doubles as a creamy swirl for soups and a cooling topping for spicy curries. A teaspoon of peanut butter stirred into hot noodles with a dash of chilli is basically instant satay.

Waste-Nothing Habits (That Also Taste Better)

Think of your fridge as a queue: oldest items to the front, new ones behind. 

Chop tired veg and roast it rather than binning it – roasting concentrates flavour and rescues almost anything. Save the ends of onions, carrot peels and herb stems in a freezer bag; when it’s full, simmer with a stock cube for a free veggie broth. 

If bread goes stale, blitz it into breadcrumbs and freeze; sprinkle them on pasta with a little oil for a crunchy topping that feels fancy for almost no money. Leftover rice becomes tomorrow’s fried rice; leftover curry can be spread inside a wrap with a handful of spinach for a quick lunch.

Nutrition Without Overthinking

On a tight budget, aim for balance across the day rather than perfection at every meal. Oats give slow energy in the morning; beans, eggs and yoghurt add protein; rice, pasta and potatoes cover carbs; and frozen or seasonal veg keep vitamins flowing. 

Try to add something green to one meal a day – spinach in pasta, peas in rice, or a side of steamed mixed veg with your traybake. If you can spare a little, grab a bag of apples or bananas for snacks; they stave off the 4pm vending-machine temptation.

Two-Week Rotation Example (Copy, Paste, Tweak)

Week A emphasises tomato bases and curry paste: tomato-spinach pasta, chickpea curry, bean chilli, roasted veg traybake, and a simple noodle stir-fry. 

Week B leans creamy and herby: pesto-style pasta with peas, lentil & carrot soup, tuna or chickpea pasta bake, baked potato with sweetcorn & yoghurt, and a lemon-garlic rice bowl with roasted broccoli. 

You’re not buying an entirely new pantry – just swapping a couple of jars and veg to refresh the flavours.

If You Only Remember Three Things

First, plan formats, not exact recipes. “Pasta + veg + flavour” is easier to repeat than “that one 13-ingredient dish”. 

Second, batch once, relax all week. A 90-minute Sunday session saves you hours and keeps you away from expensive impulse food. 

Third, rotate your flavour drivers. A tiny change – curry paste instead of pesto, lentils instead of beans – makes meals feel new without wrecking your budget.

A Final Word: Make It Yours

Meal-prep on £25 isn’t about restriction; it’s about rhythm. Once you’ve done this for two or three weeks, you’ll know exactly which items you race through and which linger. You’ll fine-tune quantities, figure out your favourite theme nights, and build a mini pantry of seasonings that make cheap staples sing. 

Keep your rotation flexible, watch the reduced aisle, and let flavour do the heavy lifting. Before long, you’ll have a set of go-to meals you actually look forward to – proof that tight budgets and good food really can get along.

Movember – Men’s Health Awareness Month

Every November, moustaches begin to appear on faces across campuses, offices and high streets. That’s Movember in action – a global movement that uses the humble “Mo” to spark conversations and raise funds for men’s health. 

The charity behind it focuses on three major areas where men often suffer in silence: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health, including suicide prevention. 

The concept is disarmingly simple. Grow a moustache, get people talking, and turn that attention into donations that fund research, support services and life-saving education.

Why It Matters – Especially for Students

Men are statistically more likely to delay asking for help, downplay symptoms and avoid difficult health conversations. Those delays can make problems far harder to treat. 

For students, the stakes are real. Testicular cancer disproportionately affects younger men, and many mental health challenges surface or intensify during late teens and early twenties. 

University life can be brilliant, but deadlines, money worries and social pressures add up quickly. Movember offers a friendly way in: a month to normalise health chats, learn the warning signs and remind yourself – and your mates – that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The Mission Behind the Mo

At its heart, Movember aims to build better conversations and fund meaningful change. The moustache is a conversation starter that gives you permission to talk about awkward topics – from self-checks and GP visits to anxiety, loneliness or burnout. 

The money raised backs programmes that improve early detection, widen access to care and create community-based mental health initiatives. 

Crucially, these programmes meet men where they already are: in sports clubs, dorm kitchens, gaming societies and group chats, rather than formal settings that can feel intimidating.

Easy Ways to Get Involved

You don’t need facial hair to participate. If you can grow a Mo, start clean-shaven on 1 November and let it become your talking point for the month. Share weekly photos, explain why you’re taking part and invite small donations from friends and family. 

If growing isn’t your thing, set yourself a movement goal – running, walking, cycling or swimming – and track your progress publicly to encourage sponsorship. Hosting a low-pressure “Mo-ment” also works brilliantly: a quiz night, five-a-side tournament, open mic or study-break coffee meet-up can raise both funds and awareness. 

Creative souls can “Mo Their Own Way” by setting a personal challenge, from cold-water dips to cooking healthy meals for housemates, and tying it to a fundraising target.

Tips That Make Your Campaign Land

Personal stories resonate far more than statistics. A couple of honest lines about why you care – perhaps a friend’s experience or your own – will travel further than a lecture. 

Keep your ask small and specific so it feels doable; a few pounds for today’s run or a pound per kilometre soon adds up. Show the journey with photos and quick updates, because people donate when they feel part of a story. 

Involve societies, course cohorts and sports teams to extend your reach, and make giving effortless by pinning your donation link on social media profiles and adding a simple QR code to posters or table-toppers at events.

Men’s Health Basics, In Plain English

Prostate cancer risk rises with age, so encourage older male relatives to speak to their GP about family history and testing. 

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in younger men, and monthly self-checks are quick and easy – if you notice a lump, swelling, heaviness or a dull ache, book a GP appointment promptly, because earlier treatment is usually simpler and more successful. 

Mental health deserves equal attention. Feeling stressed or low is part of life, but if that feeling lingers, begins to affect sleep or studies, or tips into hopelessness, it’s time to talk. University counselling services, GPs and trusted charities can help. 

If someone is at immediate risk, emergency services are the right next step.

How to Check In on a Mate

Pick a moment that feels natural rather than intense. A walk to lectures, a gym session or a bus ride can make opening up easier than a sit-down interrogation. Ask twice if you sense a brush-off; “I hear you – how are you really?” often unlocks a more honest answer. 

Focus on listening rather than fixing everything in one go, and offer gentle next steps if they seem open to them, such as booking a GP appointment together or dropping by the counselling drop-in. 

The message you want to send is simple: they’re not a burden, and you’re in their corner.

Campus-Friendly Ways to Raise Awareness

Universities are packed with channels that can give your campaign a lift. A “Mo Board” of Polaroids with short notes – “I’m growing for my dad,” “I’m running for my housemate,” “I’m checking in for myself” – turns awareness into a visible, communal act. 

A two-minute lecture introduction, with one fact, one action and one link, can reach hundreds of students in a day. Local barbers and cafés often love to help; a small donation with every moustache trim or “Movember mocha” creates a steady stream of funds and conversation. 

Simple merch like stickers or temporary moustache tattoos can add a playful touch and keep the cause visible.

Final Word: Small Actions, Big Change

Movember works because it turns awkward topics into everyday conversations. Whether you grow a Mo, move more, host a small event or create your own challenge, you’re helping men catch problems earlier and talk more openly. 

Culture changes in tiny increments: one moustache, one message, one mate-to-mate chat at a time. 

If you do just one thing this month, make a plan to check in with someone – and don’t forget to look after yourself, too. A quick self-exam, a candid chat or a GP appointment could be the quiet decision that makes all the difference.

Keeping Warm and Saving Money: Practical Steps for a Cosier, Cheaper Winter

As temperatures dip and energy bills bite, many households are looking for simple, reliable ways to stay warm without overspending. The good news is that a mix of smart heating habits, small changes to electricity use, and a few cost-savvy home tweaks can make a meaningful difference. 

Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you keep comfortable and keep costs under control this season.

Heat Smarter, Not Harder

The most effective way to cut costs is to heat your home only when you need to. Set your heating to come on and off at specific times that match your routine – mornings and early evenings for most homes – rather than leaving it running on high all day. 

When everyone is asleep or out, either turn the heating off or set it to a lower temperature. This avoids wasting energy when it’s not delivering any comfort.

Avoid the temptation to put the boiler on full blast. Cranking the heating to maximum doesn’t warm rooms faster; it simply uses a lot more gas and costs more over time. A steady, moderate temperature is both more comfortable and more economical.

Use Radiator Controls Room by Room

If your radiators have thermostatic valves (TRVs), use them to turn down or turn off radiators in rooms you use less. Kitchens and bathrooms often benefit from less heating because they’re used in short bursts and can gain incidental warmth from cooking or hot showers. 

Likewise, keep radiators low in rooms that sit empty for most of the day. Zoning your heating like this keeps living areas cosy while cutting waste elsewhere.

Tip: Keep doors closed between heated and unheated spaces to stop warmth drifting away. It’s a small habit with a big effect.

Low-Cost Home Tweaks That Trap Warmth

Stopping heat escaping is as important as producing it.

• Curtains and blinds: Close them at dusk to reduce heat loss through windows; open them in the morning to capture any sun.

• Draught proofing: Use excluders on letterboxes and under doors, and apply simple self-adhesive seals around window frames.

• Soft furnishings: Rugs on bare floors and a heavier throw on the sofa improve comfort at lower thermostat settings.

• Hot water bottles and layers: Local warmth (a hot water bottle, thermal socks, layered clothing) lets you nudge the thermostat down a notch without sacrificing comfort.

These tweaks are inexpensive and often pay for themselves quickly.

Lighting the Way: Cut Electricity Waste

Electricity prices add up fast, but small daily habits deliver quick wins. 

Turn lights off when you leave a room, and make it a house rule to switch everything off when you go out. If a bulb needs replacing, choose LED – they use a fraction of the electricity of old-style bulbs and last far longer, saving on both energy and replacements.

Be wary of plug-in electric heaters. They’re simple to use but typically expensive to run compared with gas central heating. If you must use one, keep it for short, targeted bursts in a single small room, and turn it off as soon as you’re comfortable.

Standby Costs: The Silent Bill Creep

Electronics sipping power in standby can quietly nudge your bill upwards. Turn off appliances and computers when they’re not being used, ideally at the socket or via a smart power strip. 

Laptops left charging overnight, consoles sitting in “rest” modes, and always-on screensavers all add unnecessary costs over a month. 

Consider setting devices to power-save modes and scheduling automatic sleep for computers after brief periods of inactivity. It’s invisible day to day, but it’s valuable on the bill.

Kitchen Know-How and Laundry Logic

You can shrink electricity use further with a few kitchen and laundry habits:

• Batch cooking and using lids shortens hob time; a microwave often beats an oven for small portions.

• Air fryers or slow cookers can be more efficient than full ovens for everyday meals.

• Only boil what you need in the kettle – multiple small boils use less than one overfilled boil.

• Laundry at 30°C and full loads reduces both electricity and detergent costs; spin well to cut drying time. If you use a tumble dryer, clean the lint filter regularly to keep it efficient.

Ventilate to Beat Condensation

In cooler months, it’s easy to seal the house up tight, but good ventilation matters. 

Brief, sharp bursts of fresh air (e.g., five to ten minutes with windows ajar) help reduce condensation and damp – problems that make homes feel colder and can damage walls and clothes. 

Use extractor fans when cooking or showering, and keep lids on pans to limit moisture.

Plan Your Warmth Around Your Day

Match your heating schedule to when you’re actually home. A short pre-wake cycle can take the chill off mornings, while a late-afternoon boost prepares the home for evenings. 

If your thermostat is smart or programmable, use features like setback temperatures and geofencing so the system responds to your comings and goings automatically. Even without smart tech, a simple 7-day timer is an unsung hero for comfort and cost control.

The Bottom Line

Staying warm this winter doesn’t require a high thermostat or high bills. 

Focus on timed, moderate heating, room-by-room control, and switching off what you don’t use. Pair those with quick home fixes – curtains, draught proofing, and simple ventilation – and you’ll feel the difference in comfort and in your energy costs. 

Small, consistent habits are the secret to a cosier home and a calmer bill.