Money diaries – Laura
By Laura, from Hungary/Scotland, studying Mathematical Physics
Year of study: Third year undergraduate
Accommodation type: University self-catered
Part-time job: Resident Assistant, Library Assistant, Student Ambassador
Day one
I always plan my meals and budget on a monthly basis. On the first weekend after receiving my monthly loan, I take the shopping list to Sainsbury’s at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. I always do my large shops at large stores because small neighbourhood supermarkets are always more expensive. My local Sainsburys, for example, doesn’t offer Nectar prices yet, while the large one does allowing me to get some good deals. Nectar is a free membership for Sainsbury’s and their affiliated stores that offers discounts. I highly recommend getting it along with a Tesco Clubcard which is similar.
I buy everything I need for week one of the month, as well as any non-perishables or freezable items. To account for days when I don’t want to cook or I’m ill, I also bulk cook one to two meals. This month, it’s Bolognaise. My spend on this day is high, but I will need to spend little on food for the rest of the month.
Total: £67.81
Day two
The final book in a series, that I have been anticipating for a year, got released. At lunch, between classes, I went straight to Waterstones to buy it. I was on Resident Assistant duty from 6pm so, had a chance to get started on it. For dinner I made mushroom risotto.
Total: £18.99
Dashing around campus between classes
Day three
I worked 9am to 5pm in the library and treated myself to a meal deal for £3.75 from Sainsburys. After work I had my leftover risotto and finished reading my book.
Top tip if you are fellow reader, get a Waterstones card. It’s free and you can collect stamps on your purchases which in turn can give you money to spend in-store. They have double and triple stamp events sometimes where you can get more stamps than usual on your purchases.
Total: £3.75
Meal deal for lunch
Day four
After classes finished, I went ice-skating with the University’s society. As I am now over 22, and no longer get free bus travel, I spent £4.40 on the return bus fare. Under 22s receive free bus travel inside Scotland with a Young Scot card so, make sure to apply as soon as you can once you’ve arrived.
Entry to the ice rink was £10. I have my own skates so didn’t have to pay to rent any. On my return, I had some Bolognaise that I prepared and froze a few days earlier.
Total: £14.40
The view walking back after skating
Day five
A no spend day! I brought lunch with me to class and made use of the free shuttle bus to travel between campuses. The weather was nice today and my classes ended at 3pm so, I made the best of it and walked around Holyrood Park. I had been meaning to explore the whole park instead of just Arthur’s Seat and it was a lovely, relaxing decision to make. Also, got to meet a cute dog!
Total: £0
Making friends in Holyrood Park
Day six
I worked 9am to 4pm and once again bought a meal deal. I had plans for the weekend so, I did my best to finish all of my course work by the end of the night. I managed it! Though I did have to stay up late. To save time I also had another portion of my Bolognaise, I may need to rethink my meal plan if I keep eating it so often.
Total: £3.75
Day seven
I met up with a friend who I hadn’t seen for a while. We went to Soderberg, a Scandinavian cafe by The Meadows and I had two pastries for £8. Afterwards we walked around Edinburgh for a few hours while chatting.
On my return home, I watched Formula 1 Qualifying to relax, though it ended up being more stressful than I anticipated.
Total: £8
A little pick me up
Weekly total: £116.70
Other costs
Rent: £165/month (so low because Resident Assistants receive a discount on their rent instead of a wage)
Phone and other bills: £22.98/month
Monthly income:
From SAAS: £910
From jobs: ~£800
I live from my SAAS loan/bursary and put all of my work earnings into savings.
Related links
Other studying and living costs
Study at the University of Edinburgh
