Cook in batches
An easy way to save money is to cook multiple portions of dinner at once. Larger packages are relatively cheap in the supermarket, and you also avoid having leftover vegetables or sauces, which might spoil in the fridge. So, eat with your housemates regularly, or invite your friends over. Do you sometimes eat alone? Then freeze the extra portions for later!
Plan your meals
Okay, meal planning might sound boring, but it can be very useful. At the start of the week, decide what you want to eat that week and what other groceries you need, and then make a shopping list. Buying everything in one go prevents impulse purchases and saves money! Plus, it saves time since you won’t need to go to the supermarket every day: a win-win situation!
Make smart choices
There are plenty of small adjustments you can make in the supermarket to save money:
- Don't go to the supermarket on an empty stomach. Shopping while hungry after a long day of lectures often leads to too many snacks in your basket.
- Don't buy pre-cut vegetables. They may save you a few minutes of chopping, but they are also often more than twice as expensive as fresh vegetables.
- Download your supermarket's app. This often gives you benefits. For instance, you usually get extra, sometimes even personalised, discounts or you can save for free products.
- Save loyalty points. In most supermarkets, you can collect points for discounts on fun activities or tableware, for example. It costs you nothing extra but can save you a lot of money. You can keep a physical sheet and stickers, or you can collect stamps in the supermarket’s app.
- Buy store brands. They are usually just as good as the big-name brands, but a lot cheaper.
- Go to a cheaper supermarket. A small city or campus shop might be convenient, but they are also quite expensive. Those few extra minutes of cycling are well worth it ;).
- Check the discount bin. Many supermarkets have a section with products nearing their expiry date, which are sold at reduced prices. Perfect if you are going to cook on the same day!
- Get fruit and vegetables at the Enschede market (every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm). It’s usually cheaper than in the supermarket. And at the end of the day, you often score great deals too!
Go thrifting
Whether it's clothes, books, furniture, or decorations, you can find a lot of great items at the thrift stores in Enschede, which saves a lot of money. Besides, I really enjoy thrifting; it’s a fun challenge to find hidden gems. Prefer to stay at home? Then, check out online platforms like Marktplaats, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace.
Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
From gym memberships to streaming subscriptions, the costs can add up considerably. Therefore, take a critical look at which subscriptions you actually use and cancel the rest. Can't live without your Netflix or Spotify Premium account? Then share a subscription with friends or housemates by buying a family package, for instance. It will still be a lot cheaper that way!
Make use of student discounts
Did you know that as a student you can get discounts in many places? With your student card, you can often save money at the cinema, hairdresser or a restaurant, for example. Therefore, always check for discounts before making a purchase! As a student in Enschede, you can even apply for an extra discount card for free, so you can get deals at various local spots!
Bring your own food and coffee mug
With so many restaurants on campus, it is of course very tempting to buy a nice lunch. However, if you do this several times a week, it can add up considerably. The same goes for coffee from the vending machine: one cup may seem like nothing, but if you drink two a day, five days a week, it quickly becomes a hefty expense. The solution? Bring your own lunch more often and use a reusable coffee cup. At most study associations, you can even fill them up for free. You will see that you save a lot in the long run!
Save on energy bills
You can save a lot on your energy bills as well. It may sound obvious, but by taking shorter showers, turning off lights when you are not at home, turning the heating down one degree and turning it off at night and when you are not at home, you can save dozens of euros annually. Moreover, make sure you keep all doors closed to prevent heat from leaking out, especially in draughty student houses. Unplugging plugs and chargers, hanging your laundry instead of putting it in the dryer and switching to LED bulbs are small tricks that can make a big difference.
Buy clothes in the wrong season
My last piece of advice! Try buying your clothes in the ‘wrong’ season more often. Items are often on sale at the end of a season. Need a new winter coat? Then check the shops in early spring and you will probably find a great deal!