Anyone that knows me well enough will no doubt be laughing at me as I write about my experience of a “no spend” week – or the idea of wanting to do it in the first place. Ziggy’s sees me more often than I’d ever care to admit, and we’re only halfway through the degree! 

Initially, I took on this article because I thought it was an easy task – the rules are straightforward – cut back on costs by not spending money on things you don’t need… simple, right? That’s what I thought on Monday morning, feeling good after substituting my Unio hot chocolate for homemade – until my friends brought up the idea of going back to the square after our lecture for a sweet treat; it took a lot of willpower to turn down that Biscoff brownie (if you’re yet to try it – don’t. You’ll get addicted). But I did it and felt no jealousy while they ate their brownies and flapjacks as I finished off my hot chocolate which at this point was freezing. No jealousy at all. 

I think a no spend week really puts the concept of “social spending” into perspective; as a student, there’s always an event to go to, or a café to pick a quick something up from, so restricting yourself from things which are accessible and in proximity provides a real challenge. I learnt it’s all about balance and actively thinking whether something is worth purchasing or not, you can have fun and save money at the same time, it’s not one or the other. 

For example, I bought my weekly ticket to sports night, but stayed sober to balance it out. I still had the best time and saved an average of £21. I cut back on my trips to Ziggy’s, instead baking my own cookies and brownies which resurfaced my love for baking and saved me £8 that week! 

While I originally thought it would be easy to cut back on my spending, I failed to realise how much of it had just been incorporated into my everyday life and just tapping my phone without questioning anything (I have removed apple pay so I can become more conscious of my spending). After saving £30 in just one week, I would recommend everyone trying this once in their life just to see how minor changes truly make a big difference!

Photo credit: Hannah Foley