Mishti Ali is a 21-year-old student studying English at Cambridge University. Originally from East London, Mishti was delighted to win a scholarship and a bursary to help her afford her education. She also takes on writing jobs when she can to top up her budget. But money is still really tight and she has to be very careful with her spending, particularly when it comes to her social life.
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Ideas for everyday living
I overhauled my social life to save money
Have more fun at home
“We save a lot of money by staying home more. That sounds a bit bleak, but we can have a laugh in our rooms – the most important thing for us is being all together.
“Just this week I’m hosting a little snacks and painting session in my room, where we’ll all get together to have a go at creating something, which should be great.”
Seek out free events
“My friends and I have started scouring Eventbrite for free events happening in our local area. It’s amazing what activities you can find if you look for them. There will frequently be fun evenings being hosted in nearby cafes or bookshops – and often, they’re free or very affordable.
“The best events recently have included a classical music show at a local concert hall – we got really cheap tickets and it was good to do something so different. The botanical garden at the university also held a light show, which was free. There was beautiful artwork to look at, and all of the greenhouses were illuminated with hundreds of pretty lights.”
Shift the focus away from drinking
“There’s this perception that student social culture has to be all about drinking. But I’ve found that making social plans that aren’t just about alcohol has saved us loads of money.
“Think about it. When you go out for drinks, a cocktail is maybe £10 a time. That quickly adds up. Now, when we make plans, we opt for many more booze-free events. Not only is this better for our health and helps us to feel more wholesome, it also makes me appreciate time with my friends a lot more, because it’s quality time, rather than just another night we might not remember that clearly.”
Photo credit: Marni V Photography
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This content is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be regarded as financial advice. While we’ve taken every effort to make sure this information is as accurate as possible, it has not been independently verified.