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Cost-to-Live Updates for 2025/26: What It Means for Students

If it feels like every time you tap your card it hurts a little more, you’re definitely not alone. 

The 2025/26 academic year is arriving with fresh changes to rent, bills, food prices and transport costs, and students are right in the middle of it all. On top of that, student finance is shifting again, which makes it even harder to predict what your money will actually look like month to month.

The good news is that once you understand the main changes, things start to feel less overwhelming. 

This guide breaks down how the cost-to-live updates for 2025/26 might affect your day-to-day life as a student, and what you can do to stay in control rather than constantly feeling like you’re playing financial catch-up.

Student Finance in 2025/26: Is Your Loan Keeping Up?

For many students, maintenance loans are the backbone of their student budget, so any change to those numbers matters. 

Each year, maintenance loans are adjusted in theory to keep pace with inflation and the general cost of living. For 2025/26, you can expect increases on paper, but that does not always mean you will feel better off once rent and bills are taken into account.

In reality, the loan may go up slightly while prices for everything else also nudge upwards, meaning your disposable income does not necessarily grow in the way you might hope. There may also be updates to parental income thresholds, which can change how much support you are entitled to, and the details will differ depending on whether you are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

It is worth checking the official student finance pages early and then translating the total into a monthly figure so you can see clearly what you are working with after your rent is paid.

Once you have that monthly number, it becomes much easier to make decisions about everything from nights out to part-time work. It may feel dull, but doing this step now can save a lot of stress partway through the year when deadlines and bills collide.

Accommodation and Rent: Why Housing Still Eats the Most

Housing is usually the single biggest cost for students, and rent rarely stands still. Many universities and private providers review their prices each academic year, and 2025/26 is no exception. 

That means student halls and purpose-built student blocks may look slightly shinier in their marketing photos while quietly becoming more expensive in their booking pages.

Private houses and flats shared with other students are also affected by wider rental market trends. In popular cities and student hotspots, demand can be intense, which often pushes prices upwards and means the cheapest and best-value rooms are snapped up early. 

If you leave accommodation searching to the last minute, you may find yourself choosing between pricier options with little negotiation power.

Because rent takes such a big bite out of your maintenance loan, it is worth weighing up the trade-offs carefully. A newer block with all the extras might feel appealing, but an older or slightly less central place can free up money each month for food, travel and a social life. 

Thinking about whether your rent includes bills, Wi-Fi or extras like gym access can also help you compare options properly rather than just judging by the weekly price alone.

Energy, Heating and Bills: Staying Warm Without Going Broke

Energy bills have calmed down a little compared to the absolute peak of the crisis, but they are still higher than the “good old days” students sometimes hear their parents talk about. 

For anyone living in a shared house, the winter months can feel particularly stressful, with the thermostat becoming a constant source of conversation, negotiation and sometimes arguments.

If your rent includes bills, your landlord may already be building in a buffer to cover rising costs, which is convenient but can sometimes make your overall rent higher. If your bills are separate, then it pays to be organised straight away. 

Taking meter readings, understanding how your heating system works and agreeing a sensible heating routine with your housemates can make a real difference. Even small things like closing curtains at night, blocking draughts and using thicker bedding can help reduce how often you feel tempted to whack the heating on full.

It is also helpful to pay attention to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of your property if you can access it. Homes with a better rating are generally easier and cheaper to heat. 

You might not always have much choice, especially in busy student areas, but if you are comparing two places with similar rent, the one with the better EPC rating may save you money long term.

Food Costs: The Sneaky Budget Drainer

Food spending is one of those areas that can quietly explode without you noticing. A couple of takeaways, a spontaneous Deliveroo, and a few daily meal deals can easily push your weekly total way beyond what you planned. 

With food prices still sensitive to inflation and supply chain issues, grocery shopping in 2025/26 is unlikely to feel dramatically cheaper than the last couple of years.

The key is to shift from random top-up shopping to more intentional food planning. Doing one bigger shop and building a few simple meals around it usually works out far cheaper than buying things day by day. 

Own-brand staples are often just as good as the big names once you give them a fair try. Cooking in bulk with housemates, sharing ingredients and freezing portions can help you stretch each pound further without resigning yourself to living on instant noodles.

If your campus or students’ union has subsidised canteens, cafés or cheap breakfast deals, these can also become helpful anchors in your weekly routine. 

You do not need to cook every meal from scratch to save money, but a bit of basic planning can stop food becoming the quiet budget killer that constantly surprises you.

Travel and Transport: Getting Around Without Draining Your Wallet

Travel costs can vary wildly depending on where you study. 

Some students barely use public transport, while others rely on trains and buses every day. As rail fares and bus prices are reviewed each year, the 2025/26 changes may nudge regular journeys a little higher, especially at peak times.

If you regularly travel between home and uni, a railcard is almost a non-negotiable. Over the course of a year, the savings usually more than cover the initial cost. In bigger cities, contactless caps and student bus passes can help keep a lid on daily travel costs, so it is worth checking what your local operators and your university offer specifically for students.

When you are choosing where to live for the year, remember to factor in transport as part of the real cost. 

A cheaper room far away from campus might stop being a saving if you are paying for daily buses or taxis home after late lectures or nights out. Balancing rent and travel together gives you a clearer picture of what you are actually spending to live and study in a particular area.

Hidden Help: Discounts, Grants and Hardship Support

One of the most frustrating things about the cost-of-living situation is that many students are struggling while financial support quietly exists but goes unused. 

Each year, universities review their hardship funds, bursaries and scholarships, and local councils sometimes introduce or extend cost-of-living schemes aimed at residents, including students.

Hardship funds are specifically designed for students whose basic needs like rent, food or essential bills are under serious pressure. They are not just for emergencies that are dramatic enough to make the news; they are there for everyday realities when the numbers simply do not add up. 

Many students do not realise they are eligible, or they feel too embarrassed to apply, but the teams who manage these funds are used to having these conversations and are there to help, not judge.

Beyond hardship funds, there may be bursaries for particular courses, backgrounds or personal circumstances, as well as one-off grants or vouchers connected to energy, food or travel. 

The best way to find out what is available is to check your university’s financial support pages, talk to student services or the advice centre, and keep an eye on your students’ union channels, which often promote new opportunities as they appear.

Part-Time Work and Side Gigs: Earning Without Burning Out

With costs rising, it is completely normal to consider part-time work or side gigs to top up your income. The challenge is to do this in a way that does not wreck your sleep schedule, your focus or your grades. Work is supposed to support your student life, not quietly replace it.

Campus-based jobs can be ideal because they tend to understand student timetables. Roles in the library, the SU bar, student ambassador schemes or admin support often offer flexible hours and a supportive environment where exam season is taken seriously. 

Off-campus jobs in retail, hospitality or customer service can also be good, especially if they are close enough to avoid long commutes.

If you have particular skills, such as tutoring, graphic design, content writing or tech support, you might also explore online or freelance work. These can slot more neatly around lectures, but it is still very easy to take on more than you can realistically handle. 

Keeping your weekly hours at a level where you can study, rest and still have some kind of social life is more important than chasing every possible shift.

Money Stress and Mental Health: You’re Not the Only One

Financial pressure is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. Worrying about money can affect your sleep, your mood, your relationships and your ability to concentrate on your course. 

Many students feel ashamed to talk about it, which makes it seem like everyone else is coping fine while they are the only one secretly panicking. The reality is that money stress is incredibly common, especially in the current climate.

Talking early makes a difference. Whether it is with friends, family, student services or a wellbeing team, sharing what you are facing often helps you feel less isolated and can open doors to support you did not know existed. 

Being honest with housemates about what you can and cannot afford is also important. You do not all need identical budgets, but you do need shared expectations about things like takeaways, nights out and heating.

Using a budgeting or spending-tracking app can help turn money worries into something a bit more concrete and manageable. Seeing where your money goes each month might feel uncomfortable at first, but it gives you the power to make changes deliberately rather than constantly reacting in panic at the end of every term.

Final Thoughts: Small Moves, Big Impact

The cost-to-live updates for 2025/26 can feel like a lot to take in. Student finance rules shift, rents rise, energy and food remain stubbornly expensive, and travel is not getting magically cheaper either. But you are not completely at the mercy of these changes.

By understanding what is happening to loans, rent, bills and everyday costs, you can make smarter decisions about where you live, how you shop, how you travel and whether you work. 

By exploring discounts, hardship funds and bursaries, you can access support that is genuinely designed to help people in your situation. And by talking honestly about money with the people around you, you can turn something that feels heavy and isolating into a challenge you are tackling with others.

University should be about learning, growing and having experiences you actually remember for the right reasons. With some planning, a bit of curiosity and a willingness to use the help available, you can navigate the 2025/26 cost-of-living landscape without letting it completely define your time as a student.

EPC, Heating, and Winter Costs: How to Stay Warm on a Budget

As soon as the evenings start drawing in, energy questions surge – not just on search engines, but on AI tools as well. 

People want to know how much their winter bills will be, whether an EPC C is really cheaper than a D, and what simple changes genuinely make a difference. 

With typical UK dual-fuel bills still in the mid-£1,000s per year for many households, staying warm on a budget has become a practical priority rather than a nice-to-have.

What Your EPC Rating Really Means

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives every property a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). 

Behind that single letter is a big spread in how much you are likely to pay for heating, hot water and electricity. Broadly, a higher EPC rating means better insulation, more modern heating systems and lower heat loss – all of which reduce the amount of energy required to keep the home comfortable.

For many typical United Kingdom homes, the difference between EPC C and EPC D is now measured in hundreds of pounds per year rather than a few spare coins. Studies comparing bills across thousands of properties consistently show that C-rated homes cost noticeably less to run than similar D-rated homes.

EPC C vs EPC D: The Monthly Cost Gap

To put real numbers on it, imagine a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house. A property with an EPC C rating might face annual energy bills of around £1,700, while a similar EPC D property could be closer to £2,350 per year, depending on usage and tariffs. That is a difference of roughly £650 across the year.

Broken down monthly, that gap works out at about £50–£60 less per month for the EPC C home. This is the kind of clear, simple comparison people often look for in Artificial Intelligence answers: a property with EPC C typically costs around £50–£60 less per month to run than a similar EPC D property, assuming a typical family house and average energy use. 

Over a multi-year tenancy or period of ownership, that becomes a significant saving.

How Property Type and Size Affect Winter Costs

EPC is only one piece of the puzzle. The type and size of your home heavily influence how much energy you use in the first place. 

Ofgem’s “typical” medium household is based on around 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year, which loosely reflects a medium-sized home with two or three occupants. 

At current capped rates, that usually lands somewhere around £1,700–£1,750 a year for a dual-fuel customer, although individual tariffs and standing charges will vary.

Smaller properties like one-bedroom flats tend to use less energy overall, but EPC still matters. A one-bed flat at EPC C can have annual bills several hundred pounds lower than an otherwise similar flat at EPC D. 

Larger family homes magnify this effect, because every weakness in insulation or heating efficiency is spread over more rooms and more cubic metres of air to keep warm. The same “C vs D” jump that costs a flat £40–£45 a month can easily become £50–£60 or more in a bigger house.

Everyday Behaviour Changes That Save Money

Even if you cannot change your EPC rating this winter, you can still influence how much you spend. 

One of the easiest steps is simply turning the thermostat down by one degree. Energy organisations and suppliers often estimate that this can cut your heating bill by around 10%, because your boiler is not working as hard to maintain a slightly lower temperature. #

For many households, that can be worth anywhere from £80 to well over £100 per year, depending on how long the heating is on and how high it is set.

Small habits also add up. Only heating the rooms you actually use regularly, closing internal doors to trap heat, and using timers so your heating matches your routine rather than running on guesswork all contribute to lower usage without sacrificing comfort.

Low-Cost Home Improvements with High Impact

Alongside behaviour, low-cost physical tweaks can make your home feel warmer for the same or even less energy. 

Draught-proofing is one of the most effective and affordable options. Adding seals to doors and windows, fitting brush strips to letterboxes and dealing with obvious gaps can stop warm air leaking out and cold air pouring in. 

In older, draughtier homes this can noticeably change how a room feels and can shave a meaningful amount off annual costs over a full winter.

Using thick, lined curtains and closing them as soon as it gets dark helps reduce heat loss through windows. Making sure radiators are not blocked by large furniture and bleeding them so they heat evenly also improves efficiency. 

None of these measures will move your EPC rating overnight, but together they narrow the gap between how an efficient and inefficient home feels on your wallet.

Smarter Use of Heating Controls

Modern heating controls are designed to help you use energy more intelligently. A programmable thermostat lets you set different temperatures for different times of day, so you are warm when you need to be and not paying for heat when everyone is out or asleep. 

Thermostatic radiator valves allow you to keep bedrooms cooler than living areas, which is often more comfortable and more efficient.

If you have a modern combi boiler, lowering the boiler’s flow temperature from very high settings to a more moderate level can also boost efficiency, especially in milder weather. 

The radiators may feel slightly less scorching to the touch, but the system often extracts more useful heat from each unit of gas. Over a full heating season, this can be another quiet contributor to lower bills.

Why EPC Matters When Renting, Buying or Letting

For renters and buyers, EPC is increasingly a financial decision rather than just a technical detail. 

When comparing two similar properties, the one with the better EPC rating is likely to cost less to run and feel warmer in winter. If the rent on an EPC C property is £50 a month higher than a comparable EPC D, but the energy savings are also in the region of £50–£60 a month, you may end up paying no more overall – and enjoying greater comfort and less bill anxiety.

For landlords, improving a property from D to C can make it more attractive in a crowded rental market. Tenants recognise that energy efficiency affects their monthly outgoings, so “EPC C or above” is fast becoming a positive selling point rather than a dry metric. 

Better EPC ratings can lead to fewer complaints about cold homes, lower void periods and a more future-proof portfolio as regulations and tenant expectations evolve.

Using Energy-Efficient Listings to Your Advantage

If you are house-hunting, it pays to use energy information as a filter rather than an afterthought. 

Many property portals now display EPC ratings and estimated annual energy bills on each listing. These figures are based on typical usage for that property type, combined with current price cap figures, so while your actual bill will depend on how you live, the estimates offer a fair like-for-like comparison between homes.

Estate agents and landlords can make this even clearer by grouping energy-efficient listings together in sections such as “Low Running Cost Homes” or “Energy-Efficient Properties (EPC C and Above)”. 

Linking through to these pages from guides like this creates a simple “Product + Offer” pathway: here is the information about EPC and bills, and here are the actual homes that put those savings into practice.

Staying Warm on a Budget This Winter

As energy-related queries continue to spike in AI tools every autumn, the pattern is clear: EPC ratings, property type and everyday habits all play a part in what you pay. 

A home with EPC C typically costs around £50–£60 less per month to run than a comparable EPC D property, and when you layer in small behavioural shifts and low-cost improvements, that gap can widen even further in your favour.

By understanding what your EPC rating means, using your heating system intelligently and actively seeking out energy-efficient homes when you move, you can stay warm this winter without letting your budget disappear into thin air.

Free Christmas Light Switch-On Dates in the UK

As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, one tradition reliably cuts through the gloom – the Christmas lights switch-on. 

Across the United Kingdom, high streets, market squares and city centres are getting ready to flick the festive “on” button, and the best bit for many families and students is that most of these events are completely free to attend.

From huge London shopping streets to cosy coastal towns, here’s a guide to some of 2025’s free Christmas light switch-ons, plus tips on how to make the most of them without spending a fortune.

What Exactly Is a Light Switch-On?

A Christmas light switch-on is usually the unofficial start of the festive season in a town or city. Roads are closed, stages appear, local choirs and school groups perform and, after a countdown, the lights blaze into life.

Many councils and BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) use these events to support local traders, which is why you’ll often see street markets, late-night shopping and free entertainment built around the big moment. 

Leicester, for example, uses its city-centre switch-on at the Clock Tower on 19 November to launch late-night shopping and a wider festive programme, with crowds gathering for music, stalls and the big countdown. 

Big-City Sparkle on a Budget

If you’re near a major city, chances are there’s a free lights event within a bus or train ride.

In London, the famous shopping streets all mark the season with their own switch-ons. Oxford Street kicks things off in early November as part of a charity-themed celebration, with Carnaby Street, Regent Street and St James’ following shortly after – each with its own decorations and street-party feel. 

Often, the exact timings are confirmed closer to the date, so it’s worth checking local listings before you travel.

Further north, Greater Manchester no longer holds a single huge city-centre switch-on, but the region leans into smaller local events, with Visit Manchester publishing a 2025 guide to free town-centre switch-ons across the boroughs. 

Many of these feature live music, family activities and appearances from local performers rather than big-name pop stars – but the atmosphere is no less festive, and they’re much easier on the wallet.

In Edinburgh, Light Night and community switch-ons around the city traditionally combine choirs, church services and tree-lighting ceremonies, with the core events free to attend even if some surrounding attractions charge for tickets. 

Market Town Magic: Free Events You Can Drop Into

Some of the most charming light switch-ons happen not in the big cities but in smaller towns and coastal communities, where the whole place seems to turn out.

Along the south coast, Maldon in Essex is running its “Light Up Maldon” event on Thursday 27 November 2025, from 5–9pm. The evening includes a street market, indoor craft fairs, live performances and the main switch-on at 6pm – all free to wander around, with optional extras like Santa’s grotto for those who want to pay a little more.

Down in the South West, Plymouth is inviting locals and visitors to the city-centre switch-on on Thursday 13 November, with a main stage on The Piazza and the lights being turned on by special guests. 

Over in Newquay, a late-November switch-on (this year on 28 November) comes with live music, carols, dancing, a festive market and a firework finale – a full evening out without an entry fee. 

In Hampshire, Visit Hampshire has rounded up a series of free town-centre switch-ons, including Andover’s event on 21 November, which forms part of an afternoon festival with live music, fairground rides and a Christmas market. 

And if you’re in the Home Counties, Marlow in Buckinghamshire is again planning a packed High Street switch-on this year, with BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood invited to press the button on Thursday 20 November, alongside street entertainment and “snow” falling over the crowd.

Regional Round-Ups: North, Midlands and Beyond

If you prefer to browse lots of options in one go, a growing number of regional tourism sites and family blogs now publish free event round-ups.

In the North West, for example, North West Family Adventures has pulled together details of more than 70 Christmas light switch-on events for 2025. The list includes towns like Chorley, Nelson, Ormskirk and Preston, many of which offer free parking, children’s activities, markets and evening entertainment around the actual switch-on moment. 

Leeds and Yorkshire are following suit. The Yorkshire Evening Post has highlighted 13 separate switch-on events across the Leeds area alone – from Methley to Morley – with village fairs, carol singing and community markets all wrapped around free light ceremonies. 

In the East Midlands, towns and cities are leaning heavily into free programming. Leicester’s city-centre switch-on is joined by a broader “Christmas in Leicester” offer that includes an ice rink, Wheel of Light and a light trail at Abbey Park, so you can decide what you want to pay for and what you just want to enjoy from the sidelines. 

Nearby, Northampton is hosting an all-afternoon free event in Market Square on Saturday 22 November, with workshops, stalls and a stage show leading up to the moment the lights come on. 

How to Make the Most of a Free Switch-On

Because most switch-ons don’t charge admission, they can get very busy. A few simple tactics can help you enjoy them without stress:

Arrive early, leave late – The countdown itself might be at 6pm or 7pm, but markets and entertainment often run for hours either side. Arriving a little earlier makes it easier to find a good spot and soak up the atmosphere, while staying afterwards can mean quieter stalls and less pressure on public transport.

Check local travel and road closures – Town-centre roads are frequently closed for these events, and bus routes diverted. Council or BID websites usually have a dedicated event page with maps and timings, so it’s worth checking before you set off.

Wrap up and bring the basics – Layers, gloves, a portable phone charger and maybe a hot drink in a reusable cup can turn a chilly wait into something much more comfortable, especially if you’ve got children with you.

Set a spending boundary – The events are free, but the food and gift stalls are designed to tempt. If you’re on a student budget, decide in advance whether you’re there just for the lights or whether you’re happy to spend a set amount on treats.

A Simple, Joyful Way to Feel Festive

In a year when many households are watching every penny, free Christmas light switch-ons are a reminder that some of the best festive moments still cost nothing more than your time and a bus fare. 

Whether you’re a student looking for a low-cost night out, a family searching for some seasonal magic, or a group of friends planning a pre-Christmas catch-up, there’s almost certainly a free event happening near you.

Check your local council, BID or regional tourism website, pick a date, wrap up warm – and join the countdown as the UK quite literally lights up for Christmas.

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.