“A student budget may be tight, but smart choices make it stretch.”
Jean Marc Amagoua
Bucks Students' Union
President 2025-26
The soaring cost of rent, food, fuel, and energy has left students, and learners at breaking point.
“58% believe the maintenance loan isn’t enough”, Save The Student (2024), found that the monthly average student living costs are approximately £1,104.
96% are cutting back. A third are left with just £50 a month after paying rent and bills.
12% of students have taken out loans, 11% are using foodbanks, and 67% skip meals to save money.
45% of can no longer afford course materials.
81% worried about making ends meet.
90% say this is affecting mental health, but only 1 in 5 have had help government help.
“Financial support is a growing importance for study” (Wonkhe, 2025)
Welcome to the student’s guide to the cost-of-living crisis
Here you will gain information and access tools which will hopefully make navigating the current crisis that little bit easier. The tools and information within this guide are from a range of different materials and sources (e.g. the Students’ Union’s The Big Deal, local councils, online websites).
What is the cost-of-living crisis?
To be straightforward, the money you receive from student finance, possible part time work, or any other forms of income, doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. The money is spent on living costs like your energy bills, rent, food costs and fuel, meaning you tend to have less money to do the things you enjoy doing.
Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, this can also mean having to choose between what bills to pay, potentially going hungry, not paying for heating during winter, and being unable to travel to potential job interviews or even your classes. This could also potentially mean choosing to skip classes to work.
How does this affect you as a BNU student?
At BNU there are many students who are all from different walks of life and the cost-of-living crisis affects EVERYONE. It does not discriminate. Students who travel to different campuses are affected fuel costs spikes. Students doing a food shop, either for themselves or their families, may have to cut back on their shopping list, including the essentials and feel-good treats. Renting students, especially private accommodation, are affected heavily with rent increases and energy prices soaring.
Although this guide is a tool to help you as a student living through this crisis as much as it can, it must be remembered that the cost-of-living crisis is not something that can be changed through fun saving challenges or cutting back in takeaways and nights out.
ENERGY SAVING
Saving energy doesn’t have to be a big deal. It can be as little as turning your TV off at the plug instead of keeping it on standby. These little tips add up over time and keep money in your pocket to spend later.
Some tips and tools mentioned in this section may only apply to those in private accommodation but most of them will apply to those in university halls too.
Bulbs
Replacing your lightbulbs with LED versions may sound like a faff, but they save up to 90% of the energy a normal bulb would use and last about 25 times longer. So not only do they use less energy every day but replacing them less frequently means there’ll be less energy used globally to manufacture and distribute new bulbs.
Dishwashers and Dryers
We love how easy it is to have these devices in your household, but honestly use that drying rack and airer. Your bills and the planet will LOVE you. If you have an energy tracking app, you’ll see the massive different it makes when avoiding using these devices.
Stay cool!
Lowering your thermostat and not turning the heating on may seem like a horrific idea, even in winter, but throwing on some socks and a jumper saves you having high energy costs. Fluffy socks, a jumper, maybe even a small hot water bottle, what’s not to love to stay warm? Not in summer though...
Au Naturale
Throw those curtains wide and let that lovely natural light into your room. Over the autumn and winter, it gets dark and gloomy early on, so make the most of the sun by doing this instead of turning the lights on. When you must use that little electric sun (yes, the light bulb), make sure to turn them off when leaving the room to save on your electricity bill. Even those who live in hall can do this. The less energy used the better!
Turn it off OFF!
Keeping things on standby is an easy way to get devices up and running as quick as can be. Although it may be on standby, the device is still eating away at your electricity. Turn your devices off at the plug once you are done using them. The best time to do this is whilst sleeping and leaving the house.
Meal Prepping
Having a day of meal prepping for the week not only gets you some tasty lunches (that you don’t have to worry about on the day) but bulk meal prepping also saves you switching on the oven as much as you would. Your gas bills will look healthier, and this also helps with meal costs during the week.
Energy Saving Tools
There are many tools and websites that give you examples of brilliant energy saving tools and the best providers to use as a student. One such tool which is well used by BNU students is One Utility Bill, or best known through the website as fusedbills.co.uk.
This tool allows you to pick the packages you want to take on and gives the option to split payments between your housemates. This tool also finds you energy deals for a good price.
SUSTAINABILITY
While navigating the cost-of-living crisis, you can be sustainable and still get the most out of your money. In this section there will be information and little tips on how to do this. Although some costs may look astonishing, it is best to keep in mind how much you will be saving over one, two or even five+ years.
Some of the energy saving tips and tools mentioned previously also fall under sustainability and this section also crosses over into Money Saving too!
Period Poverty and the Link with Sustainability
Periods are expensive: pads, tampons, new underwear, pain relief and all the extras that go along with it. Even if you only focus on the costs of period products, people who menstruate on average spend £10 a month on period products so roughly £120 a year (disposable pads – £120 x 5 = £600). The charity Bloody Good Period provides menstrual supplies to food banks, asylum centres and those who can’t afford them, and estimate the average lifetime cost of a period is about £4800. The sustainable swap to reusable pads costs around £5 for a single and £30 for a set and should last for five years. Find out more ecobravo.co.uk/collections/reusable-sanitary-pads.
Keep in mind that as a Students’ Union we have campaigned on Period Poverty and there are free sanitary products around female and non-gendered toilets around all campuses. If you need access to any sanitary products, please ask in the Advice Centre of the Union itself.
Disposable pads: £120 x 5 + £600
Shopping Second-hand
Reusable pads: £30!
Shopping second-hand is such an amazing way to becoming a more sustainable student and there are multiple apps and charity shops you can use. Have a walk around the area you live in and check out the charity shops you see. Not only do you bypass fast fashion, but you also give to charity and get yourself some groovy new outfits. This can be applied to apps such as Vinted, Depop, Freecycle and eBay
Refurbished Tech
The benefits to buying refurbished technology, such as laptops and phones, is that it saves you money as well as being environmentally friendly, because refurbished devices don’t require the same number of resources and energy as newly made devices. Refurbished tech is also like new and work almost the same as fresh out of the package.
Banking Green
Did you know there are banks which are also green? Check out this page to see how which.co.uk/news/article/which-reveals-britains-greenest-banks-afd5U5u3w0Pg
Keep an eye out on Fridays on the High Wycombe Campus around 4pm, sometimes The Kitchen will put out sandwiches on the tables, once they have closed these can be taken for free. Also keep your eyes peeled at Uxbridge for Pulse around 3pm.
Living in halls or with friends/housemates? Cook a meal together once or twice a week (or more if you all like eating together). This saves on money due to a combined food shop, not overusing the oven, and leaving less wastage.
Use that soap! Handwash tends to come in plastic bottles, and we all know what impact plastic has on the planet. If you don’t, go check out eartheclipse.com/environment/ environmental-effects-plastic-pollution.html
Instead of printing all that paperwork, have it emailed across to you. Or, if you are sending, get it done over email. We love the trees, keep it green!
Oh, water we to do? Try taking a timer into the shower and minimise how long you take. Finding a shower head that reduces water wastage is also helpful to keeping sustainable. Keeping that tap off whilst brushing your teeth is also very ‘green’ of you.
DIY Dish Soap – hot water, squeeze of lemon, baking soda/bicarbonate soda. This does the same job as your normal washing up liquid, with less of the plastic waste!
In University halls (Windsor, Brook Street or Hughenden)? You would’ve received a free cleaning product when you moved in. This water-based product is completely free for you. It’s green and sustainable too! When you run out, just head down to your site’s reception and grab a refill.
Got a spare meal or ingredients? You can donate unwanted food items into the community fridges in the university accommodation, find these in the laundry rooms.
This service provides BNU students with free, second-hand goods. They’ve got everything from pots and pans to cutlery, mugs, and bedding. Even if you were after a toaster or kettle, you might be able to find them along with any similar items you may need during your time at university.
Bucks New Usage is open every Wednesday from 12:30pm – 2:30pm, based in West Wing of the High Wycombe Campus. You can also request items in you are an Uxbridge or Aylesbury student.
Rusty’s Refill is a service available at the High Wycombe and Uxbridge campuses from the SU reception. Rusty’s Refill station provides a variety of household essentials at a very low cost for students to purchase, (it’s also sustainable). You can purchase items like rice, pasta, herbs, and washing detergent. Just make sure to bring your own container.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Saving money isn’t just about throwing a couple of quid into your piggy bank. Money saving can be getting discounts on your favourite foods, essential items and even your course books.
Make the Most of Student Discounts!
UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer free discounts for sixth form, college, and university students. From tonight’s outfit to food comas, to living healthier. These tools cram as many different student discounts on different categories ranging from clothing, food and drink, fashion, technology, beauty and lifestyle. Totum is another student discount provider but for the full range of perks, the card requires a sign-up fee.
Depending on who you bank with, you could get some other benefits, like a free railcard (saving you 1/3 off train travel prices) with Santander or a TasteCard membership (deals on meals) with Natwest. Have a look around see what the banks can offer!
You can also ask in store when paying if they offer student discounts. Doesn’t hurt to ask.
Course Book Pricing
Don’t fall into the trap of buying fresh new course books or resources. Always have a look around for recently graduated students who may be selling these books. Joining Facebook pages that specifically sell course resources and making use of the Facebook market is a great place to start.
As a BNU student you also have access to the libraries on all three campuses. Use their search function to see what shelf it is on. You can also place books on hold and collect too.
Aylesbury have ‘Help Yourself to the Bookshelf’, where students can borrow items from the shelf, just make sure to scan the QR code and fill in the form so we know it’s been borrowed.
Shop Smart
When going grocery shopping, Lidl and Aldi have the best priced food 9 times out of 10. This doesn’t mean you can’t go to your local Tesco and find a good deal on some food items. Always look around when shopping; keep an eye out for reductions and shop in season. You can also join loyalty and reward schemes (such as Tesco Clubcard), which can help you get points to receive rewards (like money off). Try not to shop when you’re hungry... you may end up with more in your basket than intended.
Avoid ‘Pay Later’ Services
Whilst they might seem great, one missed payment can spell disaster, and these companies are never your friend. This goes when reaching into your overdraft and using credit cards all the time. If you must use them, try and pay off as soon as you can.
Money Saving Apps and Websites
These sites, add-ons and apps can save you money with very little effort. (Too Good To Go, Honey, eBay, Groupon, Wowcher).
Free Trials
Most streaming services and services in general have a free trial period which you can opt out of before you buy. Have a look around and make the most of it. Don’t forget to add a reminder (whether on your phone or calendar) to make sure you cancel the subscription if you don’t want to sign up and pay.
Own Brands are Just as Good!
When you think about supermarket own brands, you tend to think about the plain packaging that doesn’t look very appealing. Well, these own brands must be up to the standard of other similar products. Fancy some biscuits? 49p for a pack makes it them taste even better!
Budgeting Tips
Save The Student! have produced a quick guide to budgeting. Their guide is full of tips and tricks to money saving a few of them are:
knowing your weekly budget (you can work this out using the following equation)
total income – estimated expenses number of weeks in a term
Set goals (e.g., order less takeaways)
Moving some money into savings (only spend what you can see)
Plan ahead for what you will spend
Find the best deals (look around)
Check out Blackbullion – a student budgeting service which is free to use. Through this you can access resources, use their budget calculator and more. blackbullion.com if you have any questions, contact the student hub: students@bnu.ac.uk
BIG DEAL?
All BNU students are automatically a member of Bucks Students’ Union and that means everything you do with us is completely free! Whether that’s developmental activities, additional skills sessions, playing competitive sport or Sport for Fun, joining a society or attending one of our many fun and diverse events, it will not cost you a penny.
Amy saved £1,640 as a student.
Club and Societies
£100
Representation
£600
Training, Development and recreational activities
£940
"The free activities provided by the Students' Union were a lifeline for me during my time at university. Being a nursing student, juggling placements and studying can be incredibly demanding, leaving little time to spend with my children. These activities gave me the opportunity to create precious moments with them in a fun, stress-free environment.
What made these experiences even more impactful was that they were free, especially during a time when the cost of living was a significant challenge. I wouldn’t have been able to afford similar opportunities for my kids and me if it weren’t for the Union’s support. These activities not only brought us joy but also eased the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies while still sharing meaningful time with my family."
Over the three years of a typical degree, some of our members have saved between £3,000 and £5,000. So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of everything that’s available to you by visiting our website bucksstudentsunion.org or popping into one of our offices.
JOBS
Working while studying can help with needed funds but does have other benefits. It will give you real work experience on your CV and essential transferrable skills to talk about in your applications and interviews once you have graduated. You will meet new people, and it can be beneficial to your mental health to take time away from your studies and see immediate results from your hard work.
With the current cost-of-living crisis, around 58% of students are working part-time jobs whilst studying on full-time courses. We at the Students’ Union are here to support you in finding part-time work and you can start by looking at our JobShop website at bucksstudentsunion.org/employability/jobshop
If you would like some help updating your CV before you start applying, or show you where to look for part-time work, you can either email us at sutraining@bnu.ac.uk or come and see us.
Although we understand the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, we do not recommend students work more than 20 hours per week while studying on a full-time course. This is to protect your mental wellbeing; ensure you have enough time to give to your course and give you time to unwind and relax.
If you are struggling, we are here to support you, so come and visit the Advice Centre or email them at suadvice@bnu.ac.uk for further support.
If you are currently looking for a job, there are sometimes positions available within the Students’ Union and the Students’ Union bar and venue. These can be found via Union Jobs, (bucksstudentsunion.org) and other opportunities, such as becoming a Freshers’ Helper, can also be a good source of income with part-time hours.
"I work while studying, as being at university is sometimes hard to fund. However, I am proud that I am able to work for an organisation like Bucks Students’ Union. Working as Bar Staff and a Team Leader has given me the skills to improve in my personal life as well as within my course. When I leave university, it is helpful to have leadership and customer service skills as I can always use them to find a job on the side of my career. The experience of working allows me to have organisation and time management skills whilst I am here, and it is great to meet so many people on the job who I can now say are my friends."
- Dee Whyte
Looking for more? Check out Indeed uk.indeed.com or even LinkedIn uk.linkedin.com for other jobs in the area.
FUNDING AND BURSARIES
Most students will have some financial difficulties at some point, and it is always better to seek help with financial problems as soon as they occur. Bucks Students’ Union, alongside Buckinghamshire New University, have a variety of funding and bursaries for those students who may be struggling. The Union’s Advice Centre is a helpful service to access information around these so do not be afraid or ashamed to get in contact.
Your main funding will most likely come through as Student Finance if you are a UK student. It is best to keep a look out on the Students’ Union and University website to see if more funding is available too.
BNU Hardship Fund - Provides discretionary financial assistance for students who pay tuition fees to help them access and remain in higher education. Some international students may have access to this if in crisis
BNU Asylum Seeker Scholarship - For asylum seekers to provide them with opportunities to make the most of their new lives.
BNU Refugee Scholarship - To support refugees and provide them with opportunities to make the most of their new lives.
Care Leaver Bursary / Estranged Student Bursary
/ Gypsy Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater (GRTSB) Bursary - We understand that you face additional challenges, and we will do our best to support you at every stage of your studies including accommodation and a mentor.
BNU Thrive Bursary - For students from low-income families or high depreciation areas. Money should never be a barrier to education. If you are from a low-income family, an area with high levels of deprivation or an area where very few students go to university, then you can be offered you up to £1,000 each year of your course to support you with your studies and living costs.
NHS Funding - These bursaries are available to some students who are studying a course linked to the NHS.
Other types of funding and relief can be found by your local council’s website too.
Use the QR code for more advice!
If you are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis you have every right to use a Food Bank, as going hungry should not be an option. The following will give the addresses of food banks in High Wycombe, Uxbridge, and Aylesbury. If you need any more advice or you are struggling with food poverty, then do not hesitate to contact the Advice Centre in the Students’ Union at suadvice@bnu.ac.uk.
It is advised to go through the normal referral channels, however using the Advice Centre for help on this is more than welcome. These channels will supply you with a food voucher which can be used at the foodbanks. High Wycombe and Uxbridge both have a food bank within their campuses – get in touch with the Advice Centre for more information, or below for other locations.
High Wycombe:
Wycombe Food Hub - Unit 26 Chilterns Centre, High Wycombe HP12 5ES (01494 913626) (wycombefoodhub.org)
One Can Trust, 11 Duke Street, High Wycombe, HP13 6EB (01494 512277) (onecantrust.org.uk)
Aylesbury Foodbank - 44 Rabans Close, Aylesbury, HP19 8RS There are a few collection locations which can be found here aylesbury.foodbank.org.uk/locations
FOOD BANKS
FOOD
Food is our energy source; we shouldn’t have to budget on our food with little to no support. We as a Students’ Union have Monday Monthly Meals (MMM). You can collect a free ingredient bag each month, and check out the recipes, and similar projects on our social media over the course of the year.
Meal Planning - Plan out what meals you will be cooking throughout the week.
Keep It Simple! - Sometimes the simple things just work and cooking extravagant meals means you will have to buy more ingredients or groceries that cost more money.
Lists Keep You on Track - As you plan out your meals for the week, start writing up your shopping list. Do this during and after you have planned your meals. This prevents buying unnecessary food which will be wasted.
Own the Brands - When going to a supermarket, try to buy the own goods of the store. For example, buying Tesco’s own products is cheaper than buying a branded product (e.g. Tesco’s Baked Beans vs Heinz Baked beans).
Make the Most of Your Leftovers! - Leftovers are crucial when trying to save money when buying food. Every time you cook, whatever you have left, store in the freezer. This means that later in the week, when you don’t have time to cook or don’t want to cook, you can pull out a meal already prepared in the freezer.
Freeze It! - The freezer is a good way to store fruit, veg and meat. Freezing food allows you to store produce in portions. This prevents food waste and makes life easier with everything already divided. It is also a great way to keep food for longer as it stops food from going off.
The Big Bucks Meal Deal - The Big Bucks Meal Deal is a project which gives students access to free meals.
Head over to The Lounge in Bucks Student’s Union for free dinner Tuesday, Thursday (5-7pm) and Sunday (6-7.30pm) during term-time.
Each week there will be a different dish on offer, all Halal and packed full of healthy ingredients to keep you going through the week. Free dinner is first come first served, and all you need to bring is your student ID and a good appetite
Head over to Pulse in Uxbridge for a free breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday (8.30-10am) during term-time. Included in the free breakfast is a tea/coffee, and a choice of either toast, porridge or fruit to help jump start your day. Free breakfast is first come first served, and all you need to bring is your student ID and a good appetite.
Eating and Heating on campus - Each of the BNU campuses host numerous microwaves that you can use for free! They are dotted around the campuses on various floors. You will also find water fountains on each floor which dispense hot water too, meaning you can make any hot drinks or instant noodles too! You can also benefit from low costs meals from the catering outlets on the campus (The Lounge, The Kitchen and Pulse) Commuter Kitchen Space at Aylesbury, the space where you can heat food, make drinks and chill. Find this on the ground floor of the building.
Tinned tomatoes - An obvious staple, a base to many dishes and cheap to buy.
Spices and seasonings - Paprika, chilli flakes/powder, all purpose, Italian herbs. Give a bit of flavour to your meals.
Cooking oil - We don’t want anything sticking to that pan!
Tinned potatoes - Imagine, it’s the middle of winter, not a penny to your name and these guys are in ya cupboard…… Get them roasties cooking.
Tinned carrots - Essential for stews or if you need to see in the dark…
Plain flour - A great staple for the making of sauces (like cheese sauce).
Mixed beans - Fancy a chilli but no meat or missing the tofu?
Rice - It’s fairly easy to boil some rice for most people. You learn from experiences. Or even a few packs of the microwave stuff.
Stock cubes - Gives your food that extra flavour just in one cheap cube.
Pasta - Just pasta… what’s not to love.
Tinned baked beans - Short on cash but need something filling? Beans on toast!
Bread - Throw it in the freezer.
Soups - An easy meal when you need that heart-warming kick or making that budget-friendly fancy feeling meal by using it to sauce up your pasta or rice dishes too!
Dried noodles - Those cheap ones you can throw in a microwave. The beginnings of a banging ramen bowl.
Tinned fruits in juices - Got a sweet tooth or feeling low on energy? Pineapples.
CUPBOARD STAPLES
It’s important to remember that money gets us all down from time to time, and when you’re struggling, you’re certainly not alone.
If you’re still feeling lost after reading the guidance in this booklet, don’t panic! Bucks Students’ Union, and Bucks Students’ Union Advice Centre is still on hand to help.
Bucks Students’ Union Advice Centre
High Wycombe Campus tel: 01494 603 016
Uxbridge Campus tel: 01494 605 180
bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bnu.ac.uk
You can still access these services even if you are an Aylesbury student. Call either number or email the team.
Or if you need further help, the Government have some great resources: costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov. uk/help-with-your-bills
