Student Money: Budget, Banking and Bills
Most student money problems come from a few big costs and many small subscriptions. Start with the big ones, then cut the small ones with student prices.
1. Make a one-page budget
Write down what comes in each month (job, family, grants or loans) and what goes out (rent, food, transport, phone, subscriptions, books, going out). For costs paid once a term, divide by the months they cover. Our free student budget calculator does the maths and keeps everything in your browser.
2. Cut the big three first
- Rent: usually the largest cost; shared housing and longer contracts often cost less per month.
- Food: cooking in batches with flatmates beats delivery; if you do order, a student membership such as Uber One or Student DashPass only pays off if you order at least twice a month.
- Transport: student fares and cards cut travel costs, for example Amtrak’s 15% in the US and the 16-25 Railcard in the UK.
3. Switch every subscription to a student plan
Streaming, music, software and news often have student prices that cost half or less. Add them up with our savings calculator using checked prices, and cancel what you do not use.
Common subscriptions with student prices
4. Banking
In the UK, student bank accounts come with interest-free overdrafts and sign-up perks; compare them in UK student bank accounts. In any country, pick an account without monthly fees and turn on spending alerts in the bank’s app.
5. Free stuff before paid stuff
Before paying for software, check the free stuff for college students list: Office 365 A1, Notion, Figma and the GitHub Student Developer Pack cost nothing.
Students also ask
How much should a college student budget per month?
It depends on rent and where you live. Start from your real income and fixed costs, then set a weekly amount for food and fun; the budget calculator helps.
What subscriptions have the biggest student discounts?
Music and video streaming (about half price), software (Adobe from $19.99 a month in year one instead of $69.99) and memberships like Prime for Young Adults.
Is a student overdraft a good idea?
It can be a safety net because it is interest-free while you study, but it is still debt that has to be paid back later.
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