As one transitions into Christmas, one only thinks about shopping, decorations, and vibes. Certainly, the occasion is exciting. It may trigger even a student to plan for it. While you may want to ensure the best of the occasion, the budget falls slowly.
However, you can still celebrate in the best way. All you need is- planning. Identify the existing budget. Calculate your expenses and the money you need for the occasion. It will help you know the amount you need. Saving enough may mean taking up one or two part-time jobs. Do so only if you can manage it well. Otherwise, it may affect your health and the Christmas preparations.
The blog discusses other ways to save money as a graduate without worries. It lists some unique ways that you may not have thought about.
7 strategies to save for Christmas Holidays as a student
As an undergraduate, you may be eligible for student discounts. You may get it anywhere you go. For example, you can utilise it while commuting, buying groceries, or making ticket bookings. It helps you save money significantly. What could be better than travelling at costs lower than expected?
Always carry your student identity card. You may get a discount on it while visiting museums. It is ideal if you plan to visit one with your friends. Here are other strategies to save money for the Christmas Holidays as a student:
1) Start a 3-day saving budget
You don’t have much time as Christmas stands at the doors. You need to catalyse the saving process. Thus, you cannot depend on the monthly budget alone. Instead, start saving every 3-day. For example- if your weekly earnings amount to £3000.
Try to save at least £200/week. However, saving every 3rd day will require some budget changes. It may mean downsizing your weekly expenses. Analyse how much you spend weekly. Determine what you invest the most in. It will help you save without affecting the budget much.
2) Try to buy online in incognito mode
Leading brands snoop on customer behaviour online and show relevant ads. It targets customers needing a specific product. However, they also raise the price if you constantly google the same product. You can try a trick here. Instead of shopping online using a regular browser.
Shop using incognito mode. It would not be able to identify the user then. Moreover, you may fetch affordable deals compared to usual shopping methods. You may also spot the best offers that you otherwise may miss out on.
3) Use credit cards now to gain points
It may turn out to be the most favourable deal if you use credit cards before Christmas. Valid cards help you gain reward points. So, try to gain as many as you can before the occasion. You can utilise it later during the planning. It is the best strategy to spend near zero on New Year and Christmas preparations.
Check the current offers useful for you. Leverage it today to earn points. It could be anything like- fuel and utility expenses. Settling heavy bills may grant you cashback or rewards. However, at the same time, the impact on credit scores must be determined. If paying bills with credit cards falls in handy, try the technique. Just make sure to settle the bills in a timely. Otherwise, you may not benefit from this.
4) Try carpooling
If you are used to using your car for transportation, wait. It may mean extra maintenance and fuel costs. Check whether you can skip using the car until Christmas. Yes, you can save enough by doing that. Check the sharing fare in your area.
For example, if you spend £400/week on petrol, you can pool the car for just £100 or less. Doing so for a week or month will help you save enough for your needs. Sometimes, you may not get the pooled car. This could be due to busy traffic or the low availability of cabs. What would you do in such a case?
You cannot tap your car as you may need to re-fuel it. Instead, take an individual cab to visit the destination. It may cost you more than the usual day.
If you lack the facility, check instant payout guarantor loans nearby. Non-earning individuals with someone to guarantee the payments may benefit from this. The guarantor could be your parent or your relative in the area. He may help you get instant cash by providing credit and income details.
He may repay on your behalf as you lack the income source. Check it only if you can keep your relationships strong post that. However, the loan may help you book an instant cab and reach the destination timely. Moreover, you must not miss the interview.
5) Look for free events instead of booking one
You may spot multiple events going on at your university and nearby. Checking out campus events will help you save money. It is better than booking costly concerts and affecting the goal. Â Identify the one you share an interest in.
Check whether you can get a discount on some by using credit cards. Similarly, instead of watching movies at the mall, check them on OTT. It is for the one having subscriptions. It will help you save at least £500 extras. Who watches a movie without popcorn? This may come as an extra expense. Thus, it may be budget-savvy to watch the movie at home with your pals.
6) Book accommodation directly from the website
One generally uses price comparison websites to choose the best dealer. However, it may mean losing a whopping sum. Sometimes, you may fetch better rates by booking directly instead of through the middleman. Check the total pay by booking through the hotel website. Compare it with the price comparison website. It will help you book the best one without affecting the budget.
Moreover, booking directly with the hotel implies getting additional facilities. You may check in with the hotel staff for room updates. Check whether you can get a complimentary breakfast and wi-fi. However, you may need to transfer the money directly to the hotel for booking.
Thus, read the reviews first. It will help you know the best hotels around the destination. Also, calculate the distance from your wish list to the hotel. The accommodation should not be far from the airport. It must host some restaurants nearby.
7) Prefer used books over new ones
It is one of the most important parts of student life. If your session is ending, buying new guides is not ideal. Instead, check the used ones near your university. You may find ample bookstores selling one. Preferring used over new books helps you cut costs.
You generally pay 50% less on old ones rather than new ones. Â Identify the number of reference books you need. Buying at least 5 books may get you a wholesale discount. It further reduces the expenses on stationery and book purchases.
Bottom line
Every individual deserves to enjoy Christmas. However, students may struggle to save enough. Don’t let your joy fade. The above tips may help you save a lump sum. You can use it to host a small party or a weekend gateway with friends. However, uphold patience until then. It will help you reach your savings goal quickly.
