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 - last updated 28 April 2024

Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    High Interest Savings Account

    5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)

    4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Reward Saver

    5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)

    0.30% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Simply grow your balance each month and earn a high interest bonus rate (T&Cs apply). Only requires $1 to open. Free e-banking transactions and no monthly service fees to pay. Access your account via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app. Must hold an eligible Bendigo Bank transaction account

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  • High Interest Save Account

    5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Deposit at least $200 to either Spend, Bills or Save account from an external source each month.

    No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.

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  • Reward Saver Account

    5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)

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

    Yes up to $250,000

    Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.

    Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.

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  • Savings+Bonus

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    2.00% p.a.(for $0 to $250,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.

    Earn a generous interest rate on your at-call savings (T&Cs apply). Interest is calculated daily and paid to you monthly. A $5 monthly membership fee will not apply if your total account balances with First Option Bank exceed $1,000 or you have a credit card or loan with the bank.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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