How to save money on your student accomodation

Finding a place to live as a student is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before starting university. Between rent bills and general upkeep your accommodation can quickly become one of your biggest expenses. But with a bit of planning and a few smart decisions there are ways to cut costs and make your money go further without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

For most students shared housing is the cheapest option and for good reason. Splitting the cost of rent and bills across multiple people often works out far cheaper than renting a place on your own. But there are more ways to save than just sharing your space.

Choosing the Right Location Can Make a Big Difference

It might be tempting to live right next to campus or in the city centre but that premium location usually comes with a higher price tag. If you’re willing to look slightly further out you could find much cheaper rent. The key is balancing location with your daily routine. If public transport is reliable and affordable it could be worth the trade off.

Some students even opt to live at home and commute especially if their university is close by. While this might not be everyone’s first choice it can lead to massive savings over time. Even cutting just one year of rent could save thousands of pounds.

And if you do decide to live a little further out you’ll want to make sure your belongings are safe and accessible which is where a student storage unit can come in handy. More on that shortly.

Keep an Eye on What’s Included in the Rent

Not all rental agreements are created equal. Some include utility bills broadband and even contents insurance in the monthly cost while others leave you to organise and pay for those separately. On the surface a place with lower rent might look like a bargain but if you’re also covering water gas electricity and internet it can end up costing you more.

It’s worth asking landlords or agents exactly what’s included and getting a breakdown of any extra charges. The more you know up front the better you can budget. You might also want to consider setting up a shared bank account or using expense tracking apps with your housemates so that bills don’t become a source of tension later on.

Of course saving money isn’t just about rent and bills. The way you use your space can also affect how much you end up paying overall.

Make the Most of Shared Spaces and Save on Extras

When you live in shared accommodation it’s easy to fall into the habit of buying your own version of everything. But with a bit of coordination you can avoid doubling up on things like kitchen equipment cleaning supplies and even streaming subscriptions. Sharing where you can makes things cheaper and helps keep your space less cluttered.

You can also save by being smart with heating and electricity. Simple things like turning off lights using energy efficient bulbs and wearing an extra jumper instead of cranking up the thermostat can make a real difference. It might not sound like much but over a year it adds up.

That being said not all student rooms offer a lot of space and trying to cram everything into a small flat can lead to needing more storage or even upgrading to a larger room. That’s where a student self storage unit can help.

How Student Storage Can Help You Save on Rent

A common mistake students make is paying more for a bigger room just to fit all their belongings. But if you’re only using some of those items occasionally it makes more sense to store them offsite. By using a student self storage unit you can free up space in your accommodation and avoid paying extra for a larger room.

This is especially useful if you have seasonal items like winter coats bedding sports gear or even textbooks you don’t need every day. Instead of cluttering your room or paying for extra space you can store those items securely and access them whenever you need to.

At Urban Locker we offer flexible student storage options so you only pay for the space you need. It’s a cost effective way to maximise your current living arrangement without upsizing. And during holidays or house moves you can store everything safely without dragging it back home or paying for an extra month of rent just to keep your stuff in place.

Timing Your Move Can Also Save You Money

Another easy way to cut costs is to think about when you move in. If you start your tenancy a few weeks before term begins you’re paying for that time even if you’re not living there yet. Some landlords are flexible with start dates especially if you explain your situation in advance.

The same goes for moving out. If your course ends in May but your lease runs until August you might be able to negotiate an earlier end date or find someone to take over the contract. The earlier you plan the more likely you are to avoid paying for weeks you’re not using.

If you do have to move out before your next place is ready self storage can help bridge the gap so you’re not stuck between contracts.

A Bit of Planning Goes a Long Way

Saving money on accommodation is rarely about one big change. It’s more often a combination of small decisions that add up over time. From picking the right location to sharing wisely with housemates and making use of student storage when space is tight there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing your quality of life.

At Urban Locker we’ve worked with students across the UK helping them store their belongings safely and affordably. If you’re looking for a way to save space without paying more rent or need a secure place to keep your stuff between terms get in touch. We’ll help you find the right storage solution for your budget and your lifestyle.