How to enjoy student life without breaking the bank

In the third in a series of posts throughout September looking at the lighter side of student life, Louise Bell shows you how to enjoy your spare time without spending a fortune

Even the most dedicated scholar needs to let off steam from time to time.

Socialising and having fun will help you relax and keep a bit of balance in your life. Of course, you don’t need us to tell you that moderation is the key (you don’t, do you?), but the University of Melbourne cites research showing that students who combine their studies with social activities actually achieve better results.

If you’re at college, again that’s the obvious place to start. The big universities don’t have a monopoly on social events. The events calendar at my old college in Norwich includes a comedy night, a musical theatre showcase, a fashion show at a local nightclub and a charity gala dinner – all in the space of a month.

Of course, money can be an issue – the cost of tickets and drinks can really mount up. But there are ways to cut the cost of your social life. Start with AAT Additions, which can save you enough to make back your membership fee.

Then try discount sites like Student Beans and Snapfax, which offer two-for-one restaurant deals and cheap cinema tickets – and you don’t need a student card to qualify for all the offers. But if you do have an NUS card, apply for an Extra card: the NUS reckons the average Extra cardholder saves £500 each year.

If you’re in London
Keep your eyes open for details of this year’s annual Night of 1,000 Waistcoats. At around £20, this quirky vintage ball is a great-value night out.

If you’re in the south West
Cultivate your air of mystery at the Masked Ball, one of Cornwall’s biggest parties of the year. Tickets go on sale soon for the Halloween bash on 27 October.

This article first appeared in the July/August 2012 issue of Accounting Technician, AAT’s membership magazine. Don’t miss Louise’s fourth post, which goes live on 24 September, which will look at music.

Louise Bell has contributed to Accounting Technician magazine.