Freshers’ Week is the first event you will encounter at university. It is a time to meet new friends, explore the social side of campus life and get used to your new surroundings.

However, it is also a cost most students do not plan for – and one that can deplete their bank accounts.

If you want to learn how to save money at university, you can’t overlook this event! In this blog, we will provide you with some budget tips, price estimates and handy advice for easily navigating this week.

Why a Freshers’ Week Budget is Essential for All Students

If you are about to embark on your higher education journey, you will probably already be researching the best ways to budget during term time. Plenty of student finance tips are online, but Freshers’ Week is often left out of the conversation.

From clubs and nights out to non-stop socialising, it is easy to overspend in the first few weeks. But this can severely impact your finances for the rest of the term.

Approaching Freshers’ Week with a budget ensures you can enjoy yourself and meet new friends without spending your food budget.

It also helps you start your university experience with an organised approach. It is always easier to begin with a budget than to organise your finances halfway through – but this is possible, too!

What to Include in A Freshers’ Budget

As you have probably realised, going to university comes with quite a few costs. Some are more important than others.

Important Expenses

Your freshers’ budget isn’t just for evening events! Include these expenses before you allocate your party funds:

  • Accommodation costs
  • Kitchen essentials (e.g. cutlery, pots and plates)
  • Course materials (e.g. textbooks or equipment)
  • Food (Most students allocate £30 to £50 per weekly food shop)
  • Transport (Could be a bus pass or a railcard)

Freshers Week Expenses

Now, to the exciting stuff. Here are some typical Freshers’ Week expenses for UK students. If you are going to participate in most events, a budget of £350 is recommended.

  • Nights out and general socialising – Students spend an average of £50 to £100 per night out on Freshers’ Week. Consider how many you would like to participate in and how much you want to spend before you arrive!
  • A Freshers’ Week pass – With so many events and club nights, keeping track of the best tickets is hard. Most unis offer a pass that gives access to the main events to save time and money. This can cost anywhere from £30 to £100, depending on the number of events included.
  • Clubs and societies – The average membership fee is around £20, but some societies are free.
  • Other costs – Alongside the expenses above, most students will pay for non-Freshers’ casual events, dinners and other miscellaneous social costs. You will want £50 to £100 for these.

How Much Money Do I Need For Freshers’ Week?

Overall, you can expect to spend from £150 to £350 on Freshers’ Week. There is a big variation as it really depends on the events you go to, how often you go out and where your university is based.

You can save some of your summer earnings or consider a part-time job to cover this cost. Some students use their student loan, but this is not possible for everyone.

Do You Get Freebies At Freshers’ Week?

Yes! At your university’s Freshers’ Fair, you can always find random freebies. Free gifts include badges, snacks, pens, drinks, tote bags, mugs, water bottles, USB sticks, takeaway vouchers and more.

Some freebies are more helpful than others. However, picking any of them up can help you stick to your university budget, and you will get some nice branded stuff.

Keep learning before you leave home. Read beginner’s personal finance tips and advice on the Cash Asap blog.