Save smarter: A crash course in budgeting for student survival
Going back to school isn’t just about new notebooks and empty promises to read your textbooks. It’s also a reality check for your wallet. Whether you’re living off student loans or part-time earnings, here are eight simple tips to help you stay in the black (without becoming a boring budgeting robot).
Track your expenses as if your life depended on it
John C. Maxwell, leadership guru and author of countless books on personal growth, once said: «A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.» This couldn’t be more true. Make it a habit to track every coffee, late-night kebab and even those «emergency concert» tickets. Use a budgeting app or the Notes app on your phone — whatever works. You’ll be surprised at how quickly those sneaky francs vanish. Spoiler: Your daily oatmeal latte is the main suspect in your budgeting crime.
Apply the 50/30/20 rule (with a student twist)
The classic version is 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings. The student version needs a reality check. If you mainly rely on part-time work or student loans, adjust the percentages to something more realistic (e.g. 60/30/10). The key is to have a plan rather than just winging it.
Don’t buy new stuff (except toilet paper)
Thrift shops are goldmines when you know where to look — and we’re not just talking about clothes. You can even find second-hand textbooks or borrow them from the library. Tech gadgets? Go refurbished. They work just as well and can save you hundreds of francs. Check out Swiss platforms such as Revendo, Digitec Galaxus (refurbished section) and Back Market for great deals. The bottom line is to save big on things that don’t really matter and only splurge on the essentials, like toilet paper.
Prepare meals like a master chef
Eating out can silently eat into your budget. Those quick takeaways and overpriced campus sandwiches add up fast. Cooking at home? That’s where you can really save money — you could easily save hundreds each month. Plan a few simple meals, batch-cook on Sundays and freeze the leftovers for those days when you can’t be bothered. Need ideas? Check out fooby.ch, bettybossi.ch or TikTok for quick, inexpensive recipes that are perfect for students. Pro tip: Pasta is always there for you. Always.
Make the most of student discounts
From train tickets and museum entry to streaming services and falafel, student discounts are everywhere. You just have to ask (pro tip: ask everywhere). Think of it as a sport: the more you get, the more money you save. Some banks even offer special deals just for students. Psst: with Yuh, you can budget smartly, save easily, and start investing with as little as 10 CHF. Just saying.
Remember, fun is a state of mind
A weekend in the Alps sounds dreamy — until your card is declined on Monday. It turns out that not every memory needs a price tag. Learn to say no sometimes and suggest more affordable alternatives, such as house parties, museum days, sunset hikes, flea markets and city festivals. Fun doesn’t have to be fancy — just creative.
Master the art of making extra cash
Monetise your spare time. Pet-sitting, reselling clothes and tutoring are all great ways to earn extra money without exhausting yourself. Every extra franc counts when you’re trying to keep your finances in check.
Create an emergency fund
Life happens. A laptop breaks down. A tooth aches. A surprise bill appears. Build your own safety net by saving a small amount each month. Even 20 CHF a month is better than nothing. Did you know that with the Yuh app, you can set up multiple savings projects and watch your hard-earned cash grow towards your next concert ticket or sofa upgrade?
Secret bonus tip: Check your municipality’s hidden treasures
Did you know that your Swiss municipality might owe you money for being a responsible human? In fact, all across Switzerland, local municipalities offer subsidies to residents for things like public transport, e-bikes, continuing education, appliance repairs, and even swapping exotic invasive plants for native species (yep, that’s a thing). Sometimes all it takes is a quick visit to your commune’s website to discover that you’re eligible for cash without even knowing it.
Budgeting isn’t just smart—it’s your student superpower. Cape optional.
Don’t just save money — level up with Yuh!
Budgeting doesn’t mean cancelling life, it just means knowing when to say «yes, let’s go» and when to say «mmm, not today».
With Yuh, you can:
With Yuh, you can:
- start investing from just 10 CHF (long-term pays off, baby)
- open a joint account to split rent or late-night pizza
- set up savings projects for whatever you’re dreaming of, whether that’s a summer trip, a concert, or even your future dog.