University Life Hacks
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University Life Hacks: tips and tricks for new students
Friday, 26 September, 2025Navigating university can be a difficult and overwhelming time for any new student, but knowing a couple of tips and tricks can help make this experience a lot easier. We’ve compiled a list of some useful life hacks to take the weight off your shoulders:
Money Saving:
Living at university can often mean you’re living on a tight budget, but there are plenty of ways to save money with the right tools and discounts. Here are some useful tips to help your money stretch a bit further, and ensure you make the most out of being a student!
- Too Good To Go – a mobile app that offers discounted food from restaurants and shops, helping to reduce waste and save money.
- Student Beans – a mobile app that provides student discounts for a wide range of retailers and services.
- UNiDAYS - another app that gives students access to exclusive deals and discounts.
- Supermarket loyalty cards or apps – provides cardholder-only discounts and special offers. Lidl+ offers exclusive deals on shop items per week, and you unlock more coupons based on your spending. Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar allows customers to experience a discounted price on random items but also collects points with every £1 spent in store or online, which you can then redeem for even more money off.
- Boots and Superdrug loyalty cards – physical or digital cards that can be used to access student discounts and collect points.
- Spotify and Amazon – both services offer special pricing for students, usually at a reduced monthly rate. Spotify Premium Student is at a discounted price of £5.99 a month, all you need is a valid student email address!
- Student bus tickets - available at a lower price compared to standard fares, making travel more affordable on the First Bus app.
Campus Hacks:
If you live on campus, you receive access to a multitude of services and benefits from academic support to campus exclusive facilities.
- ASK (Academic Skills) - The academic skills service is a resource available for the entire University. The team can help students and staff in their academic pursuits, whether it’s feedback on writing or help with maths and statistics, there are a range of services available for students in both Bath and London. You can book an appointment easily online with your student log in when you visit: Academic Skills – Bath Spa University
- Linkedin Learning - Linkedin Learning is a resource that is available for all BSU students. It is an online educational platform that offers video courses taught by experts in software, creative, and business skills. If you want to level up your skills and expertise, Linkedin Learning is a great way to do it.
- Adobe Creative Campus - BSU has partnered with Adobe to become a ‘Creative Campus’, one of few in the UK. As a BSU student you’re entitled to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud. This means access to many industry leading apps, such as Photoshop, InDesign and Adobe Express. Having access to this full library of Adobe apps can help amplify your digital fluency and literacy skills throughout your degree!
- Amazon and In-post locker service - Although living on campus can sometimes feel more remote than living in the city, you can still stay connected with both our Amazon and In-post lockers situated by Commons for any last-minute student essentials or making a bit of extra money when shipping off that Vinted parcel.
You can find more information about all of our professional services and teams through the Bath Spa University App.
With so many resources and student perks at your fingertips, university life doesn’t have to be as stressful, or as expensive, as it seems. Whether it’s snapping up discounts, building new skills, or making the most of campus services, these little tips can make a big difference. For more student life hacks and university information, check out the digital version of our student magazine, ‘Unpacked’.