Money diaries – Tymofii
By Tymofii, from Ukraine/Scotland, studying LLB Global Law
Year of study: First year undergraduate
Accommodation type: Living at home with parents
Day one
Mondays are always a bit of a reset for me. I had a 10am lecture, so I made breakfast at home before heading to campus. I could have made coffee at home, but I was running a bit late and decided to treat myself to a cappuccino from Starbucks (£4.40). Honestly, it sets the tone for a productive day.
I skipped my lunch because Mondays are usually quite busy, and honestly, I didn’t have much time to have a lunch somewhere. On my way home, I stopped by Tesco to grab a few bits for the week: milk, fruit, cereal bars, frozen veg and some snacks – all came to £15.90.
Dinner was at home so I didn’t spend any money on going out or ordering deliveries. A comforting start to the week.
Total: £20.30
A little pick-me-up from Starbucks
Day two
Tuesday was a non-teaching day, so I stayed home to work on an upcoming group research project.
I did take a break in the afternoon to stretch my legs and meet a friend of mine. We walked up to Nicolson Street and grabbed a Rice and Chicken Box at Shawarma Grill (£8). It honestly was so good, and compared to other places in Edinburgh, relatively cheap.
Dinner was at home (as usual) – I’m trying to cook more often and save money (and avoid too many takeaways).
Total: £8
Day three
Wednesdays are always busy. I had a morning lecture, followed by group work for our Global Law project. I grabbed a cappuccino from Starbucks to stay awake for the rest of the day (£4.40). Lunch was a Sainsbury’s meal deal (£5). When you’re in a rush, meal deals from Sainsbury’s are the most convenient things during a busy day , you can get large bowl with chicken, rice and salad with any snack and any drink for £5.
After a busy day I got home and had dinner with my family so, again, didn’t spend any money on dinner.
Total: £9.40
Day four
Started the day with packed food and a full bottle of water – proud of myself. But then I had to print off some documents for a exam prep session; £2.20 at the library (printing costs are sneaky).
On the way home, my buddy called me and we decided to meet up at Bar Burrito to have a cheeky dinner (£10.60) as they’d had a tough week. Broke my rule about dinners at home, however it felt like money well spent, so I don’t regret it.
Total: £12.80
Day five
No lectures on Fridays for me! However, I still went to the Law Library and sat there from 10am until 4pm, as I was doing my revision for upcoming exams. Didn’t spend any money there, as I packed my lunch at home and brought it with me.
After a productive day at the library, dinner was out again; me and some of my friends went to Salerno Pizza (best spot in Edinburgh if you are looking for pizza). It’s not a weekly thing for me, but it’s nice to have one restaurant evening to look forward to. My share came to £19.50. Bus fare for the day (I forgot my bus pass again…) came to £3.60.
Total: £23.10
Tymofii in the Old College Quad, where the Law School is based
Day six
Saturday was a much-needed slower day. I started with a late breakfast (banana pancakes and a coffee at home; costs nothing but patience). I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon studying; trying to make some advancement on our group presentation for Global Law. I usually find weekends good for deep-focus work without the usual weekday noise. In the late afternoon, I headed to the gym for a longer session than usual and it felt good to move after hours in front of my laptop (already covered by my monthly membership).
In the evening, I came back home and continued to study for my upcoming exams.
Total: £0
Day seven
Sundays are my slow reset days. I let myself sleep in a bit, then had a quiet morning at home with coffee while I did some life admin; replying to emails, sorting out my calendar for the week, and analysing my budget (always a little painful but necessary).
In the afternoon, I went for a walk with a friend around the Meadows. It’s our unofficial weekly ritual when the weather’s decent; good for our mental health and totally free.
The rest of the evening was all about meal prep. I made a big batch of chicken and veggie soup and some tacos and burritos that should get me through most of the week. Cooking at home saves me a lot, and I don’t mind it when I have a good playlist going.
Total: £0
Weekly Total: £73.60
Other costs
Even though I live at home, I still have some fixed monthly expenses to budget for:
Phone bill: £30/month
Gym membership: £25/month
Apple Music student subscription: £5.99/month
Transport (buses, occasional Uber or train): ~£35/month
Academic expenses (printing, stationery, books): ~£10–15/month
Related links
Other studying and living costs
Study at the University of Edinburgh
