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Cost of Living Advice and Tips

Piggy bank and coins
Radhika Gupta | 25 March, 2024

Unsure of how to manage your money? Here’s a simple guide from undergraduate student Radhika on how to create a budget, including some money saving hacks!

Coins on a table
Anaiba Rehman | 22 December, 2023

As someone who has scoured and practically inhaled every bit of information on how to stay afloat amidst the crippling cost of living crisis, I have a few tips that can make university life easier, for those with or without financial dependants.

Students walking down Commercial Court
Sarah Geraghty | 29 November, 2023

With the rising cost of living affecting many, students are keen to take advantage of discounts and offers more than ever. Fear not - undergrad student Sarah provides popular student discounts offered by restaurants and entertainment venues below.

Student on laptop in One Elmwood building
Sarah Geraghty | 24 November, 2023

Looking to earn some money and build your CV while studying at Queen's? Undergraduate student Sarah recommends using QWork to find a wide range of roles on a part-time and casual basis.

Person budgeting money
Jadzia Armstrong | 6 October, 2023

Here is the low down of how much it costs to live in Belfast as a student and some tips for how to manage your money.

UK bank notes
Rosa Hasson | 31 May, 2023

It’s a tough time for everyone, but postgrad Rosa has listed some small changes you can make to everyday life to make the cost-of-living crisis that little bit easier.

Patrick's Vinted storefront
Patrick Doherty | 29 May, 2023

Paddy has noticed the pinch of being a student at a time when the cost of living is going up and up. Here's how he is turning his unwanted clothes into a nice little earner!

Kathryn and her friend in face masks
Kathryn Allen | 21 February, 2023

Looking for a fun way to fill the cold, dark evenings? Medical student Kathryn shares her top tips on how to enjoy time with your friends without breaking the bank.

Sterling coins
Beth Molloy | 20 January, 2023

Are you feeling the squeeze this January? Beth has some top tips on how to get through January without breaking the bank!

supermarket trolleys
Beth Molloy | 11 November, 2022

As prices everywhere seem to be on the rise, students are continuing to feel the pinch. Now, more than ever, it is critical for students to make their pound stretch as far as possible. Join Beth for some top tips for saving on the food shop.

Pink piggy bank on a pink background
Kathryn Allen | 27 October, 2022

Queen’s student Kathryn Allen shares how she learned to manage money as a uni student and tips on how you can too!

thumbnail for Kathryn's sustainability video
Kathryn Allen | 29 September, 2022

Student life brings with it a new level of independence. Kathryn shares tips on how to use your new opportunities for the good of the planet, all on a student’s budget!

Careers chat
Holly Nesbitt | 19 September, 2022

Part-time work offers you the opportunity to earn while studying and gain transferable skills which can help you gain graduate jobs. Check out Holly's top tips for getting work and experience.

Thumbnail for Olivias top 10 tips
Olivia Watson | 26 August, 2022

From making friends to buying every book on your reading list, check out Northern Irish student Olivia's top 10 tips for first years.

Thumbnail of Olivia saying my weekly budget
Olivia Watson | 25 August, 2022

Northern Irish student Olivia is here to tell you what she spends on a weekly basis as a student at Queen's.

Pizza slice being lifted out of a box
Patrick Doherty | 24 August, 2022

Looking for ways to make your money stretch? Patrick's here with some top tips on how to take advantage of your student status and benefit from great student discounts.

Pizza and chips at the Parlour
Claire Ford | 17 August, 2022

After growing to love the cost of value meals and 30p noodles it can be hard to fork out on a restaurant meal or takeaway. Here’s Claire's guide to the best places to eat in Belfast when you’re on a student budget plus some helpful money saving tips.

Journey starts here popup
Careers | 27 April, 2022

Your questions answered by Queen's First-Class Law Graduate, Yi Kang Choo from Malaysia.

Jesselyn in a supermarket
Jesselyn Angky | 22 July, 2022

From where to shop to how to get a job, Jesselyn is here to help you make the best of your budget.

Supermarket aisle
Manasa Ramakrishna | 15 August, 2022

Heading to uni this year? Check out Manasa's top grocery shopping tips and learn how you can spend wisely and stick to your budget.

Darshana and pals at Gobbins Cliff Walk
Darshana Araventhan | 3 August, 2022

Feel like you need a little weekend adventure but on a tight budget? Here are a few cheap day trips you can do from Belfast without breaking the bank!

Octopus Garden shopfront
Patrick Doherty | 27 July, 2022

Do you love to find unique pieces to style out your OOTD*? Join Patrick on a shopping trip around Belfast's best vintage and retro stores.

youtube thumbnail for a cheap day out
Seohyun Lee | 1 June, 2022

South Korean student Seohyun Lee takes you on a tour of a few spots right next to campus where you can enjoy a day out without breaking the bank!

Titanic Belfast
Darshana Araventhan | 27 May, 2022

Funds running low? Take a look at Darshana's top tips for places to visit in the Titanic Quarter which won't break the bank!

Woman walking through a bookshop
Sumita Selvakumar | 23 May, 2022

From vintage bargains to the latest best-selling books, Sumita has put together a list of charity shops in Belfast to keep your wardrobe updated, save you money and donate to good causes.

Darshana Areventhan
Darshana Araventhan | 20 May, 2022

Managing finances may often seem tricky for young adults who have just entered the University lifestyle, so here are a few tips from Malaysian student Darshana on how to make your life easier and save money.

Street Art saying yeo
Claire Ford | 12 May, 2022

The student loan has run dry, and you’re sitting bored in your student accommodation whilst everyone else heads out...don't despair, Claire's here with her list of cheap things to do in Belfast!

Tobias and Claire
Claire Ford | 30 May, 2022

Queen’s offers students a range of career-enhancing opportunities outside their degree, one of which is the DegreePlus programme. Read Claire's experience and maybe you'll get involved too!

graduation lanyon
Northern Ireland Student Blog | 29 April, 2020

How would you like to earn cash, have fun and boost your CV to boot?

Claire Ford | 21 March, 2022

Claire tells us about the businesses she runs, how she manages her work/life balance and what she's learned from the experience. She also gives great advice on where you can find support for your next business at Queen's.

Wanjiru Chigiti | 8 December, 2021

Wanjiru Chigiti tells us about the cost of student living in Belfast and shares her top tips for how you can save some money.

purple Lanyon
PETER MOOR, BA ENGLISH AND LINGUISTICS | 26 November, 2019

Peter is just one of the many students who currently benefit from a Scholarship at Queen's. He's sharing all the ways receiving it has helped him during his time at Queen's.

Olaoluwayode Bilewu, BSc Business Economics | 6 June, 2019

You don't need to break the bank to have a good day out in Belfast! In fact, the city is packed with great places to visit and enjoy when you're on a budget.

Tessa Rendina | 28 March, 2022

Tessa gives her advice on how to find internships and get involved with volunteering in Belfast.

Yi Kang Choo, LLB Law | 22 June, 2021

Yi Kang Choo tells us how he used Queen's career services to give his career an early boost.

careers and employability QUB banner
Shing Him Mak, LLB Law | 19 June, 2018

Hello, dream job.

Alisha Ratcliffe, BA English | 22 March, 2019

Did you know that there are a variety of student jobs available at Queen’s? From the QFT to the SU Shop, even Blogging, there are lots of interesting roles! Alisha is sharing why working for Queen’s is the perfect way to fit a job around her studies.

Brandon Lijdsman, Juris Doctorate | 22 May, 2019

Networking is a fantastic way to make connections with people working in your field or with similar interest. But how do you get started? Brandon is sharing his top tools for networking when you're a student.

Student at grad school reception desk
Tejinder Gill, BDS Dentistry | 24 May, 2019

Tejinder shares her step by step guide to getting C.V advice; just one of the many career development services available to Queen's Students.

waitress
Jia Xin Chang, LLB LAW | 20 June, 2018

Max the experience to boost your CV and earn some extra cash.