6 of the best money saving tricks for uni students

uni students looking at phone for savings and budgeting

Going a full year through uni, only just having enough to get by, can be a stressful experience that negatively affects your mental and physical health as well as impacting your grades.

Avoid the stress and keep a nice lump of cash in your pocket with these tips.

1. Save with budgeting

You’ve read it before, and with good reason. Budgeting is important not just for saving but also for making sure you always have enough for student fees and amenities. 

Money on a debit card can feel slightly unreal. Being deliberate and planning out how much you’ll spend on each place matters.

2. Buy second hand textbooks

Textbooks are expensive, there’s no denying that. Most people use them for only one semester and throw them away—but not everyone! Buying and selling second hand uni textbooks is a great way of not only gaining back some cash but saving some too. 

Consider looking on social media for groups where students buy and sell their textbooks.

3. Save with student discounts

If you haven’t started coupon clipping as a student, now is the time to start. 

Websites such as student edge and unidays are great for students looking to save on great deals. Unidays itself has deals on everything from a Dominos pizza to your newest Microsoft Surface.  

Remember, as a uni student, you should always bring your student ID with you—you never know what in-store student discounts are going on!

4. Save by cutting back on subscriptions 

Subscription services are great for using services without dishing out enormous amounts of cash upfront, but they do add up once you pool the monthly expenses together. One way you can save is by cutting back on subscription services that you don’t use as much. Alternatively, some services have student discounts (e.g. YouTube ). You may even be able to use programs like Microsoft Office for free with a student subscription.

5. Save by pooling funds

Tackle costs together and make life easier! You could pool funds with friends for meals, events or even transport costs. Then there’s TV: most allow for multiple accounts—if you want multiple differing services, devise with friends to have one each pay for a service and share.

6. Sign up to a high interest student savings account

Using the above savings tips, you’ll need to find somewhere to squirrel away your earnings. With a high interest savings account, you can let your money grow in a way that you wouldn’t usually get in an everyday account.

Looking to open a high interest savings account to make the most of your money? Check out and compare some of the best high interest student savings accounts on Mozo.

Savings account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 272 savings accounts.
Last updated 12 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • Savings Account

    5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.

    Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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  • Savings Maximiser

    5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)

    0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance each month.

    Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

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  • Bonus Saver

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 and over)

    1.00% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus interest for the first four months from the account opened date. No minimum balance required. No monthly or ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties. Manage your money easily via phone or online banking or via the BCU Bank app.

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    Details
  • MoneyMAX Account

    No Current Offer

    4.70% p.a.(for $1 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.

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  • Savings Accelerator

    3.55% p.a. (for $0 to $50,000)

    2.85% p.a.(for $0 to $50,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    New customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.

    Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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