When you’re not studying, this information could help you and your family get to grips with life in the UK, finding your way around, saving money and connecting with your religious community.
Food Shopping
Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose are all large and well-known supermarkets in the UK. They vary in terms of price, quality and the range of items they stock. Additionally, grocery shops in the community are common and you may have one near where you live. These are convenient but the prices are generally higher than you will pay in a supermarket.
For Bradford students: You may find that the markets in Bradford offer food – particularly fresh food – that is often cheaper than supermarkets.
For Leeds students: Kirkgate Market is near the city bus station and is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. It sells groceries and other items on market stalls and many are of good quality. For details about Kirkgate Market and local farmers’ markets which sell local and independent produce, visit Leeds Markets.
You can buy a wide variety of international food ingredients in Leeds and there are plenty of specialist international, halal and kosher food shops.
For Nottingham students: There are a number of markets in Nottingham, including in the Victoria Shopping Centre. You may find that these offer food – particularly fresh food – cheaper than that which you'll find at the various supermarkets.
Discounts
You may be able to get discounts on rail fares, depending on the size of your family and your children’s ages, by purchasing a family and friends railcard. If you are between 16 and 25, you can get a 16-25 railcard.
In addition to the travel discounts listed above, many discounts are available to students and to families. Often these will be advertised, but don’t be afraid to ask for discount, whatever you are thinking of purchasing. To get student discount you will generally be asked to show a valid student card. However, some offers are only available to students who have signed up to free subscription services such as UNiDAYS or paid subscription services such as the NUS TOTUM card (formerly called the NUS Extra Card). Although there is a charge attached to getting a TOTUM card, the annual fee is low and you can make substantial savings.
The Save the Student website will also point you in the direction of some useful savings.
Bradford:
Having a Bradford Leisure Card will get you discounts on a wide range of leisure activities, alongside a First Bradford student tickets for bus and coach travel.
Leeds:
LeedsCard: if you are a cardholder you can get free or discounted entry to local attractions, museums, concerts, and Leeds City Council sport and leisure facilities.
Breeze Pass: children living in Leeds can get discounts on a range of activities and events.
Leeds Active Card – not a discount card, but having one allows you quicker and easier access to the City Council’s sports services – and it’s free.
FirstBus -Special deals are available for students for bus and coach travel.
Nottingham:
Best student deals in Nottingham - Unifresher – This page lists a number of deals available specifically for Nottingham students.
Travel
Across the UK, University cities are generally compact and therefore walking is often a good option for many people. This saves money but also is a good way to keep yourself fit and healthy! Some students may decide to live a little further away from their University campus though to keep costs down and might need to use different modes of transport to get to where they need to be. Here is some advice on the different transport in the UK.
Buses
Cities generally have large bus networks which will transport you across the city or in/out to surrounding areas. Take a look at your local council website for more information on local bus services. Remember to look for special student deals which can save you some money.
Trains
For longer journeys, train tickets are less expensive when booked in advance. You may sometimes find that buying two single tickets is cheaper than buying an open return. You can but tickets online or at most train stations. Families can save money by buying a family rail card which can get you up to a third off rail fares. The National Rail Enquiries website has full information on train times, fares, deals and the purchase of tickets.
Coaches
Coaches are generally cheaper than trains, but take longer. Families can save money by buying a National Express Family Coachcard. The National Express and Megabus websites have more information.
Cycling
Cycling is a cheap and convenient way of getting around a city. Take a look on your local council website for advice about cycling in the local area.
Taxis and Private Hire Cars
Taxis can be hailed or flagged down and fares are metered. Private car hires cannot be hailed or flagged down and can set their own fares (although some companies do use meters). To use a private hire car, you need to book them in advance by phone, online or using one of their mobile apps. These are usually a cheaper option than taxis. It is always a good idea to ask beforehand for a rough estimate of how much the fare is going to be.
Faith Based Support
Most universities offer a chaplaincy service for their students and staff, with many of these having faith advisors related to specific religions, however even those of no faith are able to access chaplaincy support. Take a look on your University website for more specific information.
Improving English Skills
For international students whose first language is not English, many Universities offer opportunities such as English classes or language cafes for you to be able to improve your skills. Take a look at your University’s website for more information.
Not only this, there will be opportunities within the local community for you to improve your knowledge of English, however some of these classes may have a charge. Have a search on Google for what is available in your local area.
Job Opportunities
Your University or Students' Union may be able to help with finding local job opportunities: