If you’ve already blown through your student loan and grants for this year, here are some ways to help yourself claw back some extra cash in the run up to Christmas.

Restaurants and takeaways

Whether it’s a kebab after a night out or an organised evening meal at a restaurant, eating out can be expensive. Learn to cook for yourself!

Of course, going out is fun and sociable, so don’t keep yourself shut away, but be smart: Look out for deals, especially when restaurants may not be busy and looking to fill seats. Check out websites like Groupon on for last minute discounts and make use of vouchers for takeaways.

> 7 ways to a cheaper takeaway and fast food

Rip off ready made food

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Bottled water, pre made sandwiches, that expensive coffee: Ditch them all and do it yourself. It’s cheaper, more fun and in most cases healthier too. The preservatives needed to keep things like sandwiches fresh see things like salt levels and calories surge.

Other rip off food deals include pre-packaged fruit and veg. Buying loose is almost always cheaper, plus you can buy only want you need to avoid waste.

Pre-drinking out

Pre drinking at home before going out is a student basic: You’ll not only save cash once when you get to your chosen venue but won’t have to budge your way to the front of the bar as much.

Taxis

via flickr
Taxis, especially on weekends and late at night, can be shockingly expensive for even short distances so avoid them if you can. Walk, take the bus or try and grab a lift where possible. If you are going to take a taxi, get as many of you in as you can and split the cost.

Also, avoid waiting and extra distance costs by asking to be taken just outside busy parts of town and walking the rest of the way.

The gym

Ditch the expensive gym membership: You can do most of it at home or outside for free. Even if you do decide to invest in some equipment, it’ll probably be far cheaper long term than almost all monthly gym costs.

If you do want to use the gym – but not pay – make use of free ‘taster’ days that are often offered by big chains.

> How to lose weight on the cheap: How to get fit for free