Budget Living Student Guide

A practical guide to surviving on a student budget in Coventry. Visit the cheapest supermarkets, outlet stores, and charity shops within walking or short bus distance of campus. Learn money-saving hacks like food banks, meal deals, and community food sharing. Your guide shares real budgeting tips used by students managing on £100-150 per week. Best for New students and budget-conscious visitors. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 3-12. You meet at IKEA bus stop near campus. Key highlights: Visit three major budget supermarkets within 15 min walk, Discount clothing and homeware shops mapped out, Learn about food banks and emergency hardship support.

Price: £12

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 3-12

Minimum age: 16+

Best for: New students and budget-conscious visitors

Best time: Tuesday to Thursday mornings before stores get busy. Avoid weekends and lunch hours. First week of term best for new students settling in. Avoid exam weeks.

Meeting point: IKEA bus stop near campus

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00 Meet at IKEA bus stop near campus - Introductions and overview of budget shopping locations accessible from student areas.

10:15 Visit budget supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Asda) - Compare prices and identify cheapest staples like pasta, rice, beans, and frozen vegetables.

10:45 Explore discount clothing and homeware shops - Tour Poundland, B&M, and charity shops where students kit out rooms under £100.

11:15 Learn about student food banks and free resources - Info on university hardship funds, community food sharing schemes, and meal deals.

11:40 Receive vouchers and money-saving guide - Get discount vouchers and a written guide to term-time budgeting and freebies.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at IKEA bus stop near campus.

• Visit three major budget supermarkets within 15 min walk
• Discount clothing and homeware shops mapped out
• Learn about food banks and emergency hardship support
• Receive £15-20 worth of discount vouchers
• Practical monthly budgeting breakdown for students
• Accessibility: Mostly flat pavements with some slight gradients. Some shops have steps. Accessible parking at main supermarkets. Mostly wheelchair accessible. Request accessible route in advance.

What is included: 2-hour guided walk with student guide, Visits to 4-5 budget retailers, Discount vouchers (£15-20 total value), Written budget tips and resources guide, Information on hardship funds and support.

Not included: Shopping or purchases, Transport between locations (some walking, optional buses), Meals. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Reusable shopping bag, Notepad for store addresses and prices, Student ID (for student-specific discounts), Cash and card to test prices if desired. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Tuesday to Thursday mornings before stores get busy. Avoid weekends and lunch hours. First week of term best for new students settling in. Avoid exam weeks..

Tip: Includes discount vouchers

Tip: Practical tips for term time

Accessibility: Mostly flat pavements with some slight gradients. Some shops have steps. Accessible parking at main supermarkets. Mostly wheelchair accessible. Request accessible route in advance..

Operator: Student Survival Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• War Memorial Park (10 min walk)
• Fargo Village (12 min walk)
• Coventry University Campus (8 min walk)

This activity is run by Student Survival Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before. Non-refundable within 24 hours..

Accessibility: Mostly flat pavements with some slight gradients. Some shops have steps. Accessible parking at main supermarkets. Mostly wheelchair accessible. Request accessible route in advance..

Best time to go: Tuesday to Thursday mornings before stores get busy. Avoid weekends and lunch hours. First week of term best for new students settling in. Avoid exam weeks..

What supermarkets do you visit on the budget living tour?

Tours visit Lidl, Aldi, and Asda - the three cheapest options near campus. Typical meal costs are £1.50-2.50 per meal if cooking from budget supermarkets. Guides also show Tesco and Sainsbury's budget ranges as comparison.

Do you visit clothing and furniture shops for student rooms?

Yes. Tours include stops at Poundland, B&M, and local charity shops where students furnish rooms cheaply. A typical student room costs £50-100 to kit out using these shops. Discount vouchers often apply here.

How much money do students actually need per week in Coventry?

Budget guides suggest £100-150 per week covers rent, food, and essentials. Food costs drop to £20-30 per week using supermarket tips from the tour. Your guide provides a realistic breakdown and info on hardship funds if budgets get tight.