Student Erin shares practical hacks to stretch money and earn perks while at university

Erin, a 21-year-old psychology and cognitive neuroscience student at the University of Nottingham, credits early work experience with giving her a realistic view of expenses once her student loan arrived. She adheres to a personal budget, only exceeding it by tapping savings earned from part-time jobs, and maximises value by pooling monthly Just Eat vouchers from her Nationwide FlexStudent account with friends for cheap takeaways.

Her side-hustles include buying and up-cycling second-hand clothing to sell on platforms like Vinted, and she earns commissions as a brand ambassador for race-day events. Volunteering with agencies such as Festaff and Wicked Events has granted her free entry to gigs, festivals and even a front-row Oasis concert, while also providing staff meal vouchers. Nationwide Building Society’s research indicates that financial mistakes dominate students’ regrets, with many overspending on nightlife or depleting loan payments early in the term. Erin’s approach combines disciplined budgeting, leveraging discounts and turning free perks into social and travel opportunities.