How to enjoy the festive season on a student budget

Struggling to balance seasonal festivities with your finances? Undergraduate student Lucy Bignell shares practical tips for enjoying the season on a budget, from crafting to dining at independent eateries.

Festive periods can be hard as a student. The next loan instalment isn’t until January, prices are rising and you’re not sure what gift to get your loved ones. As a fourth-year student, I totally get it and have found some ways to enjoy the festive season even on a budget. With these tips, you can focus more on seasonal fun and less on balancing your finances.

Budget! 

You’re a student on a budget, but have you actually made the budget? The festive period can feel overwhelming, but by mapping out your expected expenses, you can clearly see your constraints. Travel, gifts and festive activities need to be balanced with rent and utilities so ask yourself what do I actually need to spend? Who might need a gift, what travel might I need over the next month and how can I balance meetups with friends and my utilities? Having a budget to stick to will make the festive period more manageable, allowing you to relax and ensure you have money left for the new year. 

Decorate 

What better way to get into the spirit than getting your flat into the spirit? Check out what simple decorations you can find in the shops – supermarkets usually have a great, low-cost range of décor and trees. In my first year, Kenny the Penguin became a big part of our flat! Even better, try making recyclable crafts together. Pinecones can make great baubles and paper chains are a super simple form of bunting. Let’s get creative whilst staying sustainable and make a day of decorating your space with your friends.

Gift smart

Show your loved ones you really care by crafting them something yourself. Maybe you crochet or are you a skilled baker; the festive period offers a fantastic opportunity to practice your skills or learn some new ones. Avoid last minute pricey gifts and give something made from the heart. For example, I’ve created paintings for my family in the past. 

Let’s encourage others to do the same by organising a Secret Santa. If you’re not familiar, this is where everyone secretly draws a name and has to get them a gift.  Setting a budget or handmade-only rule makes the game more challenging and more engaging – without breaking anyone’s budget. It’s a great way to get to know your flat mates better too!

Festivities on campus and your local area

If you missed the Christmas Light Switch On a few weeks ago, don’t worry; there’s still loads going on! With performances from the University Chamber Choir and Swing Orchestra, as well as loads of productions at Warwick Arts Centre such as BBC Concert Orchestra and Jazz Fridays (free every Friday!), you’ll have a hard time trying to fit it all in.  Check out Warwick’s Student Cinema schedule too – Muppet Christmas Carol is my recommendation. 

Venture off campus to discover other festivities. There’s Christmas markets in Coventry and Leamington Spa to explore – though I’d recommend going for the scenery rather than the overpriced food. You can even go further afield and explore the Birmingham Christmas Markets (Europe’s largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany) – return train is under £5 from Coventry Station!

Try some seasonal specials 

There’s nothing like a seasonal hot chocolate to get you in the festive spirit. Did you know Curiositea have a new set of specials every week? Try to purchase from local café’s rather than big chains so you know you’ll be charged a fairer price. Coffee shops and restaurants all over the UK are bringing out their festive ranges. However, these limited-edition menus can be more expensive so look out for seasonal offers and student discounts. Try recreating your favourite specials at home too; coffee shops often overcharge for simple additions that you can make yourself. You could also host potlucks and collaborative dinners with friends too so you can avoid restaurants all together and create festive specials at home.