Make your uni life easier (and cheaper)

Being a student is an expensive hobby... between rent, groceries, late-night takeaways and that one society you forgot you joined, your bank account can take a serious hit. But luckily, there are some great apps out there designed to help you stretch your student budget without sacrificing your social life.

Here are 5 apps that can genuinely help you save money, spend smarter and make your student loan go further.

1. Too Good To Go

Best for: Saving the planet and your wallet

Too Good To Go lets you buy unsold food from local restaurants, cafes and bakeries for a fraction of the price. You won’t always know exactly what you’re getting (it’s a “magic bag”), but that’s part of the fun and it’s usually way better than another sad pot noodle.

• Typical savings: £3-5 per meal
• Bonus: You’re helping fight food waste too

2. UNiDAYS

Best for: Student discounts on everything

UNiDAYS gives you access to exclusive student discounts on everything from clothes and tech to gym memberships and food. It’s free to sign up (just use your uni email) and it’s a no-brainer if you ever shop online.

• Big hitters: ASOS, Apple, Samsung, Deliveroo, Boots
• Pro tip: Always check the app before buying anything

3. Splitwise

Best for: Splitting bills and avoiding awkward flatmate convos

If you live in a shared house, this app is a game-changer. Splitwise tracks shared expenses (like rent, Wi-Fi, or who bought the loo roll) and tells you who owes who what, keeping things fair and friendly. No more “I think you still owe me for the electricity from March?”

• Also useful for group trips, society expenses, and takeaways
• No calculators or spreadsheets required

4. Monzo (or other banking apps like Starling)

Best for: Budgeting without the stress

Monzo is a digital bank that makes budgeting way less boring. You can create pots for different spending categories (e.g. groceries, nights out, rent) and track how much you’ve got left in real time. Some people even swear by putting their whole student loan in Monzo and splitting it up to avoid blowing it in week one.

• Features: Instant notifications, savings pots, spending breakdowns
• Bonus: You’ll feel like a financial grown-up

5. Olio

Best for: Free food and a bit of community spirit

Olio is all about sharing! Whether that’s a neighbour giving away leftover food, or a local shop offering surplus items. You can pick up free groceries, bread, veg, and even household items. Ideal if you’re skint and trying not to live off crisps.

• Feel-good app with zero cost
• Works best in busy areas (check your local listings)

These apps won’t solve all your problems, but they will help you get more for your money, avoid arguments, and maybe even feel a bit more in control of your finances.