Use less, pay less. How to switch off and save – Money Week 2023

This is another guest article from the Sustainability team who are working with us during Money Week.

With energy prices soaring there’s reason more than ever to switch off and save on your energy bills.  We’ve brought together some top tips, advice and resources to help you battle the rising costs.  Small steps can go a long way.

Good practice around the home and in halls:  

• Only boil what you need in your kettle & keep lids on saucepans  
• Switch off lights when leaving a room, and devices at the plug, including games consoles and TVs 
• Choose showers over baths to save on gas and water 

• Dry clothes on an airer or washing line outside in the warmer months, and not on radiators  
• Keep the heat in by closing curtains and blinds, and wear extra layers to keep warm  
• Turn your thermostat down by 1°C and  turn down radiators in rooms that you aren’t using 
• See even more tips from GOV.UK Help for Households  

If you’re living in private accommodation you can also:  

• Ask your supplier to provide a smart meter or submit regular meter readings so you’re only charged for what you use. See the National Student Money Week infographic on how to read to meter  How to Read a Meter (nasma.org.uk)  
• Learn what your energy bills means, read Ofgem’s Your Energy Bills Explained article so you understand how your bill is broken down: Your energy bill explained | Ofgem.   
• Find out about the energy price cap, energy bill rebate and energy grant: Help with energy bills – £400 energy rebate and more – Save the Student and look at our previous blog on cost of living payments 
• Counter the rising costs of energy from the Money Saving Expert: Gas, Electric & Water Guides – MoneySavingExpert  

Please don’t hesitate to contact Student Advice to make sure you’re getting all the funding you’re entitled to from the University to support you, including bursaries and hardship funds.  

Today is day 1 of our on campus roadshows. Pop along to Checkland atrium between 12pm – 2pm to have a look at the stall. Just look for the money tree and tombola, remember prize every time!!

Student Advice