5 Tips for Living on a Shoestring Budget

Living in Dublin is expensive, especially when you’re a student, so I have a few tips on how to make your weekly budget go a little further so you can have fun and eat food that isn’t Pot Noodles.

Pens at the ready

As I noted in my Top Tips for Starting College piece, you really can’t beat the pen and paper when it comes to lecture notes. Tiger is, in my opinion, simply the best. I can’t walk down Nassau Street without going in for a look. It’s a student paradise with everything from pens and staplers to notebooks, folders and googly eyes. Everything is super cheap so it’s a great place to stock up on both stationery and any essentials for college life.

(Grocery) Shop Smart 

Make a regular grocery list and make sure to stock up on non-perishable foods. Shops like Centz and Dealz are great for buying household goods like washing powder at a super cheap price and discount supermarkets like Lidl are fantastic for great food that doesn’t make your bank account cry a river. Going for the own brand products and special offers help put a few extra euro back in your weekly budget.

Let’s all go the lobby… 

Awards season is looming, which means there’ll be a plethora of amazing films being released over the coming months. But the cinema is expensive, I hear you say? Not if you plan on going on a Thursday to the Savoy where tickets are only €5 if you book online. You’re welcome.

Student Leapcard

If you use public transport at all whether it be Dublin Bus, the Luas, Bus Eireann or Irish Rail, it’s worth getting your hands on one of these. They not only get you cheaper fares but discounts on food, clothes and entertainment. It’s a €15 investment that will only make student life better. If you didn't get one during Fresher's Week, you can find out all about it here.

Treat Yo’ Self

Shopping? What? Yes, I know this doesn’t technically help you live on a shoestring budget but with different college nights out and balls you have to have a splurge every so often. The Jervis Centre does one or two student lock-ins a year where the shopping centre is open to only students between 6.30pm and 9pm with loads of shops offering up to 25% off. On a day to day basis, don’t be afraid to ask in shops if they offer a student discount as they generally don’t advertise it.

These are only a few ways to make the most out of Dublin city on a budget. If you know anywhere that’s a hidden gem for students around the city let us know on Facebook or Twitter!