Having just finished my first term at Durham University, I can tell you first-hand that student life can be expensive – especially when you don’t know how to budget. And yes, that was definitely me last term: too many sweet treats from Tesco, a few too many college bar drinks, and one or two online shopping splurges. So here are the tips I wish someone had shared with me in October.
The reality of food costs in Durham
How much you spend will look very different depending on whether you’re catered or self-catered. If you’re self-catered, food becomes one of your biggest weekly expenses. Most students default to Tesco because it’s convenient, but it’s worth exploring cheaper options, such as Aldi, Lidl, or Iceland, and making the most of loyalty cards. Every penny really does count.
Even if you are catered, it’s the “extras” that creep up on you: post-night-out takeaways, coffee between lectures, or brunch at Riverview Kitchen. These are completely part of the Durham experience, but they need to be factored into your weekly budget rather than treated as spontaneous extras.
Nights out are another major cost. A few things that have helped me:
- buying early-bird tickets
- making the most of cheaper college bars before going into town
- having the occasional sober social
- walking down the Hill with a friend instead of ordering an Uber
None of this means missing out; it just means being a bit more intentional with your spending.
Course costs add up
As an English student, I was surprised by how quickly books and printing costs accumulated. This term I’ve been using library copies more, buying second-hand from charity shops, and putting Waterstones vouchers on my birthday list (highly recommended).
Societies, sport and formal events can also become expensive. If this is something you’re struggling with, college finance support and JCR hardship funds are there for a reason; it’s always worth speaking to someone.
Where I went wrong last term
Independence comes with a learning curve. Freshers’ Week overspending is almost inevitable, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. The key is adjusting afterwards.
My biggest mistake was not tracking my spending at all. I didn’t open a student bank account, didn’t set a weekly limit, and had no idea how much I was actually spending. “Little treats” quickly became daily habits just for getting through a 9 am lecture, and by the end of the week, I had no money left.
What I’m doing differently this term
Tip 1: Set a weekly spending limit
Having a rough weekly budget has made the biggest difference. I split my money so I only use half Monday – Friday and keep the rest for the weekend. That way, I’m not broke by Thursday. Going over occasionally is normal; the goal is to be aware of what you are spending and not perfectly hit your weekly budget.
I also have a part-time job alongside my studies, and I know many other students who also do. It’s definitely helpful with extra spending money to boost my weekly budget, but time management is key, and I ensure that I always prioritise my degree.
Tip 2: Plan your food
If you’re self-catered, one big weekly shop (or two smaller ones) stops the “empty fridge = takeaway” cycle. I also try to bring lunch to the Bill Bryson Library instead of buying a meal deal as a reward for studying.
Tip 3: Track your money
This term, I’ve started using a simple spreadsheet to log what I spend and where. It sounds boring, but it’s genuinely helped me cut back on daily coffees and impulse purchases. Seeing it written down makes you far more conscious of your spending, but helps you visualise where it all is going.
Budgeting doesn’t mean saying no to everything; it just means being intentional and deliberate with spending. If one week you splurge, maybe keep in mind to cut back the following week. I still go to formals, have brunch with friends and enjoy many nights out – I am just more on top of my expenses and how they shape my student life at Durham.
From my experience, the first term is about figuring it all out, the second term is about balance. You will spend too much, get it wrong and have to re-adjust, but my main advice is that if you’re currently in your “Tesco sweet treat every day” phase – don’t worry. We’ve all been there!
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