From study to part-time work to extracurricular activities, life as a student can be super busy. With such a hectic schedule, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed and overworked. Don’t worry – it’s completely normal to feel this way. That said, there are some life hacks you can use to work smarter, not harder.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of the best life hacks for uni students that will help make student life a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
1. Live closer to campus
Want to cut down on your commute time, expand your social circle and access amazing group events? If so, then living on or closer to campus is the hack you need.
Check out student accommodation options offered through your educational institution or through managed student accommodation providers like Urbanest. Because these accommodation providers are usually located very close to major campuses, you can spend less time getting to and from your educational institution and more time enjoying your student lifestyle.
2. Optimise your study time
Simplify your studies by using handy learning software, websites and browser extensions.
One awesome option is Grammarly, which is an online writing tool that scans your texts for grammatical mistakes (such as typos and confusing sentences).
You can also use sites like Hemingway App to make your writing clearer and more engaging for your readers. For students who like a bit of ambient background noise as they study, Noisli is a free browser extension that helps you block out distracting sounds and stay focused.
3. Learn how to cook some easy dishes
Whether it’s a quick breakfast before you run out the door or a snack to fuel a long night of studying, knowing how to make a few simple meals is key in making student life easier. Plus, it never hurts to have some delicious recipes on hand to impress friends or a date who’s coming over for dinner.
As a starting point, try getting a handle on the basics: scrambled eggs, spaghetti bolognese, chicken stir fry, or levelling up your instant ramen. These quick and easy meals will sustain you and satisfy your taste buds all at once.
4. Manage your budget with handy apps
Staying on top of your finances can be tricky – but it doesn’t have to be. There are several budgeting apps available that can help you manage your money.
Pocketbook, for instance, connects directly to your bank to help you track your income and expenses, so you can better monitor your monthly spending. There’s also Raiz, which automatically invests the spare change from all your debit purchases. So, if you buy your morning coffee for $3.75, the extra $0.25 will immediately get invested for you by the app. Grow your wealth without even thinking about it – what could be better?
5. Save big with an ISIC card
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is your ticket to landing some of the best student discounts across Australia and the world.
Keen to travel around Australia over the mid-year break? Bring your ISIC to get discounts on accommodation bookings and venue entry. Need some new software to help you out with your studies? You can use your ISIC to get discounted rates on software suites with companies like Adobe.
The saving opportunities are endless, so be sure to get your card as soon as possible.
6. Hunt down happy hours
While your studies are important, you need to carve out time for fun. For many students, this includes having a few drinks with friends on a night out. Unfortunately, the costs associated with going out can add up quickly.
Thankfully, Australian hospitality venues feature some incredible happy hours that are perfect for students on a budget. Apps like The Happiest Hour can help you find the best happy hour deals with just a few clicks. Additionally, it’s common for pubs and bars to offer student discount nights, so be sure to do your research to find a night near you.
7. Eat out for less
The last of our handy life hacks for uni students goes hand in hand with the previous one. After all, if you’re going to be saving on your drinks, you might as well save on your food as well, right?
Track the best restaurant deals through websites like Groupon and EatClub to figure out just how much you can save. With such awesome savings, you can treat yourself without going over your budget.
So, there you have it: seven life hacks that will transform your student life for the better. Whether it’s accommodation, studying or managing your budget, there’s nothing you won’t be ready for with these handy hacks on your side.
