One of the biggest challenges I face at uni is how to save money but remain social.

I’m often asked by friends to go out for food, coffee, trips and of course nights out!

If you say no in these situations, you’re going to spend your time in uni with little friends.

So here are three useful ways in which I save money whilst remaining social.

Eating out  

  1. When asked to eat out, always try to do so before 5:30pm.

    The vast majority of restaurants have great deals on between lunch time and the evening period. Take advantage of this.

  2. NEVER split the bill amongst friends.

There’s nothing more annoying than going out for food, ordering a salad and tap water then ending up paying for Sandra’s steak and glass of wine.

  1. Do your homework and bring the correct change.

    This is a great trick I learnt during my first year. By looking up the menu online you can bring the correct change (or really close) to the restaurant. This avoids the bartering of;

    “Let’s just split the bill, it’s easier”
    “ Yours was £8 so just chuck me a tenner”

    Simply give your share of the bill and relax.

  2. Don’t let anyone buy you a drink.

    This may seem counter-productive. I mean, who doesn’t want a free drink? The problem when someone buys you a drink is that it creates an atmosphere where you socially ‘owe’ the other person a drink.

    When it comes to the dessert and they fancy another pint or a coffee, guess who’s paying!

  3. Stick to tap water

I know, I know. It’s lame, but I’m seriously fed up of paying £2.50 for an orange juice or pint of coke.

  1. Stick to one course

Again, a lame choice but by sticking to one course you can cut your bill in half.

Some of these tips are more obvious than others but stick to these tips and you won’t bust your budget on dining out.

Being frugal doesn’t mean being unsocial.

Keep an eye out for my next article on frugality: How to remain social at uni whilst saving money: Nights out.