Is there something scarier than seeing a missed deadline on Blackboard Ultra? Yes, there is… and it is my Lloyds banking app. Jokes aside, here is a list of common ways to save money that you probably didn’t know as an international student.
Create a Tesco Clubcard
This is something you might not know if you’re an international student (like me), but having a Tesco clubcard comes with its perks, and one of my favourite ones is the meal deal. So, make sure on your first trip to Tesco you sign up for their Clubcard as you’ll also get discounted prices and earn points for each shop. The ‘Big Tesco’ in Gilesgate is cheaper than the one in town, so it may be worth the short bus ride.
Tesco products
I promise I’m not a Tesco brand ambassador (they do have several stores in Durham), but since I primarily shop there, I’ve learnt a few things. If you’re shopping on a budget, I would recommend shopping for “Tesco exclusive” and Tesco-branded products as you’ll notice they are considerably cheaper.
Student discounts
Whenever you shop somewhere, I would recommend you ask them if they have student discounts. Most places offer those, and you’ll get a discount just by showing your student ID.
The market
If you’re planning on buying something, chances are you’ll find it at the indoor market (open every day) or the outdoor Saturday market at a better price. So always check there first. I bought a pair of gloves for £2 and they’re much better than the more expensive ones!
Student bus pass and day tickets
I always thought I needed to buy a student pass to get a discount on my bus rides, but that’s not true! You can use your student ID when purchasing a bus ticket, and you’ll get a discount.
Day tickets are exactly what they sound like: a single ticket on which you can take the bus multiple times on the same day. I exclusively buy day tickets because they are cheaper. However, my first experience taking the bus I didn’t know I had bought a day ticket and kept buying multiples for the same day. Don’t be like me, be smart!
Aldi for a big shop
Out of all the grocery stores I have shopped at, Aldi is the most economical one. Though it is not located in the Durham City Centre, the trip to Aldi’s is worth it because of their discounted prices. So if you’re planning on a big grocery shop, I’d recommend going to Aldi.
These are money-saving tips I discovered in my first months in Durham. I hope you find them useful!
Discover more
Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.
Follow The Durham Student on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
