9 Money Saving Tips for International Students in the UK

1. Use Yellow Stickers for shopping. 

Discovering the “Yellow Sticker” discounts at UK supermarkets was an unexpected but game-changing moment for me.

One evening, after a long day at the library, I stopped by Tesco to pick up a few items. That’s when I noticed certain products had yellow stickers showing heavily discounted prices.

I managed to buy groceries worth about £15 for just £3.60 which was an incredible difference!

After doing a bit more research, I found out that many supermarkets start marking down prices toward the end of the day or during special occasions like bank holidays.

Since then, I usually plan my major grocery shopping around holidays and schedule minor shopping trips between 8 PM and 11 PM, when supermarkets often reduce prices.

Supermarkets like Tesco and M&S sometimes offer up to 90% off in their reduced sections after 7 PM.

On top of that, apps like Olio can connect you with people giving away surplus food for free which another great way to save money.

I have also heard of students using food pantries to supplement their grocery requirements. YourLocalFoodPantry is a great platform that connects people to pantries in their local communities.

To save some money on your budget, use this option as often as possible.

2. Use RailCard, Split Your Rail Journey.

Much of the UK is linked by rail, and if you’re an international student, trains will quickly become one of your main ways to get around – whether it’s for short trips within the city or weekend travels to other towns.

One thing that helped me save a lot on train fares was getting a 16 – 25 Railcard. If you are above 25 years old, the option won’t be available for you but you can get other options too.
But it doesn’t stop there — once you get the Railcard, make sure to link it to your Oyster card.

An Oyster card is a smart travel card used to pay for journeys on public transport in London  including the Tube, buses, trams, and some trains.
By linking your Railcard to your Oyster, you get 1/3 off off-peak Tube fares around London, not just on long-distance trains. Even if you’re over 25, you can still apply if you’re studying full-time.

Another simple way I cut down on travel costs is through something called split ticketing.
Instead of buying a single ticket from Zone 1 to Zone 3, I sometimes split it into two separate journeys like Zone 1 to Zone 2, then Zone 2 to Zone 3.
It sounds complicated at first, but it can actually be cheaper. When you travel often, those small savings really add up.

Platforms like Train Split, TrainLine, Split My Fare and My Train Pal offer free split services.

Also Read: How to Find the Best Student Accommodation in UK As An International Student

3. Don’t Buy Every Textbook.

Textbooks will be pretty part of your academic journal and in the UK, they can be surprisingly expensive.

But from my experience, you don’t always have to buy them brand new (or at all).

One of the first things I learned was to check platforms like LibGen (Google it) to find free PDFs of many academic books.
While it’s a grey area, it’s widely used by students who simply can’t afford expensive textbooks.

Another useful hack is to make the most of your university library’s short loan section.
You can borrow a textbook for a few hours and photocopy the key chapters you actually need, usually for about £0.10 per page.

Most universities also provides digital access to their libraries and give free access to eBook versions. So before spending money, make sure to check that out.

If none of these options works, you can try purchasing a secondhand copy. Platforms like AbeBooks, Book Depository and eBay are fantastic places to find secondhand books.

Also, don’t overlook Facebook groups. Most seniors often sell their old textbooks for as little as £5. Sometimes, they even give them away for free when they graduate!

The truth is, you probably won’t need every textbook your professor lists. Focus on getting the ones that are actually used for assignments or exams.

4. Use Free WiFi as Much as Possible.

Mobile data will be one of your sneaky monthly expenses as an international student especially if you’re always streaming, downloading lecture notes, or making video calls home.
I learned quickly that relying on mobile data alone in the UK isn’t sustainable especially on my tight  budget. That’s why I started making the most of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.

Your university Wi-Fi which are often fast and unlimited is a lifesaver. Most University libraries always have a Wi-Fi turned on.  But even if you’re off-campus, there are still plenty of places to get connected without spending a penny.

Pret A Manger is one of my favorites. They offer free Wi-Fi, and you don’t need to buy anything to qualify. If the signal feels weak, sitting near the counter usually helps.

McDonald’s also has free Wi-Fi, though they limit it to one hour per session.
Still, I’ve noticed that if you don’t log out manually, the connection sometimes holds on longer — enough time to finish a quick download or wrap up some emails.

Now, whenever I’m heading out for the day, I already know where I can stop for WiFi, charge my phone, and catch up on schoolwork — without touching my data plan.

This website list free WiFi spots around UK

As an international student, finding the right spot to enjoy free Wi-Fi will saved a lot of money in your budget.

Tip: Do you know that some student’s housing come with free Wi-Fi?

5. Get Free Drinks, Don’t Buy

Let’s be honest — social events are a big part of student life in the UK. And except you are an introvert, you will attend a lot of it. But buying drinks at bars or clubs regularly can drain your wallet faster than you expect.

The solution? Get free drinks.

During Freshers’ Week and other campus events, brands like Red Bull, Jägermeister, or VK often show up with stands, handing out free drinks and merch to students.
Just follow their UK pages on Instagram or Twitter and keep an eye out for event announcements. You’ll be surprised how many pop-ups offer freebies in exchange for a follow or a quick photo.

Also, if you’re near a Waitrose on the weekend, take a stroll through the wine aisle. They often offer small sample pours of wine or cider especially during promotional days or holidays. It’s not a party, but hey, it’s a free sip.

These little perks don’t just save money,  they’re also a fun way to meet other students and enjoy the social side of university life without breaking the bank.

Now, I am not saying don’t buy drinks but there are free options.

6. Cook at Home Often.

Buying food out might seem convenient (actually, it is), especially after a long day of lectures or work. But trust me, those £5 meal deals and late-night takeaways add up quickly.

In my first few months, I was spending way more than I realized just on food I didn’t plan for.

What helped me cut costs massively was learning to cook simple meals at home.
I’m not talking about chef-level stuff,  even basic meals like pasta, stir-fry, or rice dishes can go a long way when you batch-cook and portion them for a few days.

One strategy I use is shopping once or twice a week, planning meals ahead, and prepping what I can in advance. This way, I’m not tempted to order food just because I’m tired or out of ideas.

Plus, cooking at home lets you take advantage of discounted groceries (remember those Yellow Sticker deals?) and stretch them across multiple meals.
Even if you don’t cook every day, just swapping two or three takeout meals per week with home-cooked food can save you £80–£120 per month.

7. Apply for Free Health Coverage through HC1 Certification

Just like in most European countries, healthcare in the UK can get expensive fast.

Basic stuff like when you need prescriptions, dental care, or glasses cost a lot of pounds. But here is something I discovered:

As an international student, you might qualify for free or discounted healthcare through something called the HC2 certificate.

HC2 certificate allow you to get some healthcare services for free or at a discounted rate.

If your program lasts 6 months or longer, you can apply for this certificate, and it covers:

• Free NHS prescriptions
• Discounted dental treatment
• Support for eye tests and glasses
• Cost of transportation to receive NHS service, etc

I applied for it after spending almost £18 on a prescription that could’ve been free. Once approved, the certificate is valid for a full year, and trust me, it’s worth it.

You can apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The form is a bit long, but it’s all online and pretty straightforward.

8. Sell What You Don’t Need — There’s a Market for Everything

When I first moved to the UK, I held on to stuff I didn’t need, clothes I outgrew, extra chargers, books I never opened.
It wasn’t until I needed quick cash that I realized how easy it was to sell things online. Thankfully, there is a market for everything in the UK.

Apps like Vinted, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and even eBay are goldmines for students. You can sell:

• Unused clothing or shoes
• Electronics or accessories
• Extra kitchenware or textbooks

I once sold an old winter jacket for £25 on Vinted — it didn’t even fit anymore. That money ended up covering my groceries for almost a week.

You don’t need to be a pro seller to use this platforms. Just take clear photos, write short honest descriptions, and price it fairly.

Trust me, there’s always a student out there looking for exactly what you’re trying to get rid of.

9. Use Cashback and Discount Apps — Let Your Spending Pay You Back

What if you managed to get some cashback and discount on your spending?

Apps like TopCashback and Quidco literally give you cash back when you shop through them. Whether it’s booking train tickets, ordering food, or shopping online at stores like ASOS or Argos.

Also, download UNiDAYS and Student Beans. They offer exclusive student discounts on clothing, tech, food, and even gym memberships.