Budget-Friendly Shopping Places for UK Students

What’s the hardest part about living on a student’s budget? If you said the daily expenses, you’re right. If we remove payments of rent and tuition, the daily cost of living is still high.

The UK is not different than the rest of the world in this matter. So how does a student afford to go about daily life while also staying on a budget?

By taking advantage of cheap places to shop, of course. Written below are some of the best places to buy clothes and groceries if you’re on a student in the UK.

Clothes:

If you’re a student on a budget, chances are you’re not going to be looking for high-end, designer clothes. If you visit these stores, you’ll get fashionable clothes at affordable prices.

H&M:

H&M specializes in cheap but stylish clothing for men, women, and children. With clothes available in almost all sizes, H&M stores are a must visit if you’re on a budget. You can find H&M stores littered through most of England and Scotland.

Primark:

Primark is the place to go if cheap but trendy clothing is what you’re looking for. You might have to look on quality just a bit, but you can’t go wrong when shopping here. Primark stores are located all over the Uk, so finding one won’t be an issue.

Groceries:

Groceries are the biggest money outflow a student has to face. After all, you can get by with wearing the same clothes day after day, but you can’t avoid eating. Thankfully, UK has plenty of stores that sell groceries on a more affordable prices

Aldi:

Aldi One of the UK’s fastest growing supermarkets.It’s the place to go if you need to buy groceries on a budget. Aldi comes with a large selection of groceries, pre-cooked meals and so on.

Lidl:

Just like Aldi, Lidl is another one of the UK’s fastest growing supermarkets. It’s almost impossible to categorize between the two. The similarity is that both brands offer incredibly low prices on groceries and other items.

What separates the two is the items they stock. what you don’t find at one, you’ll find at the other. So you will never be in a position where you have no choice.

UK can be one of the most expensive countries to live in. If you’re not prepared for it, you’re going to have a hard time. Luckily, UK is full of stores that offer good quality items at budget prices. If you know what you’re looking for, and where to get it, you’ll find it easier to manage your finances.

Explaining a Digital Marketing Model

The rise of the internet brought with it changes in the way that many people prefer to shop. Nowdays, people would much rather browse the web and buy products online.

With this change in mentality, companies and businesses have been forced to expand into the digital marketing realm.

Digital marketing may sound intimidating, but it’s just the same advertising and marketing done in an online setting. The benefit that it brings over traditional marketing is in the form of real-time analytics. Tracking customer behavior to better customize their shopping experience has never been easier.

What Defines a Digital Marketing Model?

Digital models are a way for an organization to understand what marketing strategy suits their business and its intended target market. They can be thought of as a framework on which marketing campaigns and strategies are based.

Types of Digital Models:

Currently, there are four conventional digital marketing models. They are as follows:

1.     Demand Generators:

The demand generator model is employed by companies with a keen interest volume of traffic and the number of sales. This model does focus a bit on brand loyalty and customer service, but its main goal is to use SEO and other tactics to drive traffic and sales.

2.     Product Innovators:

Product innovators work closely with their customers to get their feedback and produce new products. They mainly focus on surveying customers to understand the problems they have and how they can create products to help solve those problems.

3.     Digital Branders:

Digital branders focus on developing a strong, emotional connection between consumers and the brand. They are less towards traditional marketing tactics and are more in the direction of immersive marketing. Coca-Cola is arguably the best example of a digital branders model.

4.     Customer Experience Designers:

Customer experience designers focus on enhancing customer service. Typically, this model is employed by airlines, restaurants, and other industries where customer service is necessary.

It’s not necessary that these models are specific to any one industry. Companies in the same industry can use different models. However, it’s the amount of time, effort, and resources put into the marketing strategies based on these models that will determine their success. For a more in-depth look at digital marketing models, check out Strategy+Business’ take on the matter.

The skills of Finding Balance at University

University years are some of the most hectic that you will ever experience. From having to manage your social life to academics to placements and internships.

It is crucial for achieving balance between all that you follow these 3 steps:

1.     Prioritization

Prioritize different tasks and activities according to the time required and their level of importance. This does not have to be some hard and fast list but try to follow it as much as possible. This will help to give more concrete focus and direction for the day’s plan and what important tasks are due in the week.

2.     The Power of No

Learn to say no, period. If not controlled in, university and its multiple aspects which will call your attention can overwhelm you. This goes for person interactions too. Know your own strengths and priorities. Turn down people and situations if the need of the hour demands it.

Direct but effective communication after all is a key skill for the work place later on too.

3.     Make Downtime for Alone Time

Dedicate some time in the week or in the day relax in isolated silence. Your inner self needs the peace and quiet of comfort to purge and recharge. Reading a book while considering or thinking about life will do numbers for your peace of mind.

What is important from day one is that you follow these above steps and have a firm handle on yourself. Consistency and management will be the keys to unlocking university balance.

Livening up Your Uni Room: The Best Tips

If you are attending university away from home, chances are it will probably be the first time in life you have been so far away for such an extended period of time. Your next 3/4 years will revolve and centre from your base of operations: your uni room.

Customizing and fashioning in into something reflecting you might seem challenging. Not to worry here are some of the best tips to truly make it your place

  • Posters: Posters, of movies or musicians or similar topics are almost a must in every uni student’s room. The association between posters everywhere on the wall and rooms goes long and deep
  • Flags: Flags are some of the most colourful items you can find and can bring a lively impression to your room. Change them up with the passing of different sporting events or display your own if you are abroad or if you come from a different country you can display your flag. Always a nice topic to open up a conversation with potential friends and flat mates.
  • Fairy lights: Fairy lights can bring some much needed brightness and colour to the room. Sleep to a different waterfall of colours above you. University is the time for experimentation, no better fit than a shining display of many colours.

This is just scratching the surface of what is possible and how to decorate your university room, try your hand at these and then explore further. You will find inspiration from fellow rooms and multiple sources to decorate something which in the end truly reflects you.

How to Maintain a Fitness Routine at University

University can be a make or break period for a person in a lot of ways. One in particular being health. How you spend your 3/4 years will have a big impact on your health going into your 20s.

It is very important to develop and inculcate healthy habits which contribute to your overall fitness. It is good not only for your body and future but also mind and academic ability. A healthy routine should consist of:

1.     Proper Hydration and Nutritional Intake

The 3/4 years of university can be some of the most challenging in a concentrated amount of time. It is required that you do not skip on what you put into your body. That pizza may look good over the bowl of fruits but years later you will find your body regretting it.

 Proper hydration is necessary for brain functioning too.

2.     Sleeping Patterns

All nighters, Netflix and surviving on 4 hours of sleep per day is no go for university students. Fitness demands that you still try and make an organized schedule and try to follow it as much as possible.

3.     Exercise

Make out time in your schedule for some exercise. In any form, gym, swimming, jogging or sports. 4 to 5 hours in a week on such activities is no big ordeal and will only produce not only for your bodily fitness but also mental fitness, emotional stability and intellectual potential.

Making the time for a proper fitness regiment at university is not all too different from the studies you pursue. It is an investment for the future, in this case in your body; also in this case you will start seeing the benefits sooner.

All that is required is to make that first step and follow that plan! After just a few weeks you will begin seeing results.

The Dangers in Digital Marketing: What to Avoid

The digital playground is reaching new audiences. Every year the growth in new participants in the digital field grows in the millions as countries update internet access.

Digital marketing in such an environment or marketing online to people is one of the most important and some would say the primary marketing tool in today’s world.

What are the mistakes such campaigns often commit? Check them out:

1.     Unclear Audience

For any product or service to succeed it must know what its primary audience is and what the potential audience it can bring is. Digital marketing presents an attraction to companies where they can market the large number of individuals.

Such broad catering though may lead to general boring advertising which presents no information or the reason for that product.

2.     Unclear Marketing Goals

What is the purpose of your online digital marketing campaign? Is it to provide information? To build a brand image? To drive people to buy your product?

Marketing goals or what specifically you want to achieve should be thoroughly bolted down so you can make the appropriate kind of campaign. Too often campaigns which attempt to do all of the above will messy it up and achieve none

3.     Poor Social Media Training

It is a time when consumers are particularly more prone to engaging companies directly on social media and being active. Huge controversies can arise over online interactions. It is necessary that the staffs responsible for the social media side of marketing operations have the correct type of training.

Final word

Proper research, planning and training—if you lock those elements down and work on them correctly before launching your particular digital marketing campaign then likely you will not fall into these problems.

5 Interview Tips You Need to Know

The first job interview is always a stressful experience. From the time you receive the call to the moment you’re sitting in the waiting room, the nerves are difficult to control. This is mainly because many people don’t know what to expect and how to prepare.

Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered.

Do Your Research:

Before you even get into the waiting room, you should prepare yourself with knowledge about your potential employers. Look at the company’s website for any details about them and the services they provide.

Prepare for your interview, and practice your answers. Go through the most common interview questions and create appropriate responses to them. Repeat these answers to your friends or family and get their feedback. If you’re on your own, practice in front of a mirror, or make a video of yourself.

Dress to Impress:

Now, you don’t have to dress as if you’re attending a ball, but it doesn’t hurt to look your best. Dressing up in formal clothes shows that you’re serious about getting the job. It also takes your mindset to potential employers.

Don’t Be Late:

Punctuality can make or break your job interview. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first or the 50th, never be late!

Try to leave about 30 minutes prior to your interview timing. Plan out your route beforehand. When you reach your destination, take some time to set yourself before going into the building. Brash your hair, set your clothes and calm yourself down.

Body Language Conveys More Than Words:

The first thing an interviewer will notice about you is your body language when you walk into the room. Walk with confidence, smile, and have a firm handshake. If there are multiple interviewers, greet each one individually.

During the interview, be aware of your posture. Sit straight, leaning slightly forward. Leaning forward while the interviewer is talking shows that you’re interested in what they’re saying. Don’t lean back in your chair, and don’t sit with your arms crossed. Be comfortable, but don’t compromise your professionalism.

Answer Confidently and Ask Questions:

Take a few seconds to deliver your answers to the interviewers’ questions and be decisive in what you say. Sometimes, you don’t have to tick all the boxes; your enthusiasm for the job can be enough to convince an interviewer.

When given the opportunity, ask your interviewer questions relating to the job and the company. This could be as simple as asking about your responsibilities when you get the job.

It’s important to remember that your first interview doesn’t have to be your last. There will be many others. However, you should always want to succeed on your first go. Following these interview tips will help you make a good impression and hopefully land that job. Good luck!

How to Spend Your Weekend: A University Student’s View

Aah the weekend!

The university student’s long awaited rest from the trial and hard work of an average week in university. No prior experience in life will teach you to properly savor and appreciate the value of these 2 days as university will.

Here is how you should spend your university weekend as a student:

1.     Catch Up On Some Sleep

University students are well known for pulling one nighters. Enough amount of sleep is necessary for your physical as well as mental health. Go ahead and take that long earned rest and sleep in late until afternoon. 3 or 5 days of waking up at 7am earn at least that.

2.     Explore New Places

Schedules in university between academics to societies can often rarely leave time to stop and smell the roses, or savor them in this case. Your weekly diet will be of instant noodles and cheap cafeteria food or fast food.

A weekend is the prime time to go out with friends and treat yourself to some of life’s finer delicacies.

3.     Plan a Trip

There is no better time than the freedom of university life to explore places and tick your bucket list, weekends are the prime opportunities. The two day off is as ideal for a short mountain climbing or camping retreats and energizing yourself away from the struggle of university.

4.     Books and Movies

Watching movies or staying in bed with your favourite novel is another great way to spend the weekend!

This is just the possibilities for spending your university weekend but the above are some of the tried and tested ways to ensure you gain the full benefit from those 2 days. Beyond that it is up to you just remember, this time will not come again, so make the most of it.

3 Great Tips for Living Alone as a Student

Living alone as a student can be pretty challenging. It takes time to get used to, especially if you come from a tightly knit family.

There’s also the challenge of independence; everyone wants it, but only a few know how to handle it. That’s why it’s important for people to understand what they’re getting into. If you’ve decided to live by yourself, then there are some things you need to know.

1.     Keep Your Place Neat and Tidy:

When living on your own, you’ll find out very quickly that it’s super easy to push off house cleaning tasks. Maybe you’re too tired, and you’ll get to it tomorrow, or it’s not significant enough to warrant your immediate attention.Don’t fall into this trap. Set a proper cleaning schedule and stick to it. Being unorganized can also cause delays. If you can’t find your backpack or your books, you’re going to end up being late for your classes.

2.     Create a Positive Environment:

You aren’t always going to have other people in your home to give you company. When your friends are busy, coming back to an empty house can enhance feelings of loneliness. Student life is tough enough without homesickness making it worse.

Decorate your living space to make it feel more like a place you want to live in. Make it a comfortable environment. Hang up pictures of family and friends to reduce the feelings of homesickness. Play your favorite music. Do what makes you happy.

3.     Learn How to Cook:

Takeout and delivery can only last you so long. Especially if you’re on a budget. It’s essential that you know how to shop for groceries and how to cook. Choose a day for grocery shopping every week and only buy groceries for the coming week. If you cook more than you what you need, you can carry food over into the next day. Just be sure to store it properly.

Living alone is nothing short of an adventure. There will be high points and low points (especially at the start). Don’t be intimidated, as there are many things you can do to ensure the experience is a positive one.

If you follow all of the tips mentioned above, you’ll go some way to making your experience enjoyable.

4 Finance Tips All Students Need to Know

Saving money as a student is not an easy task. If you live by yourself, fees and rent will take up a large piece of your money. What’s left after that will go into groceries and other daily expenses. So how is a student supposed to manage their finances successfully?

 In this blog post, we’ll look at some ways to do so.

1.     Learn How to Budget:

First and foremost, you need to learn how to make a proper budget. Take the time to sit down and identify your sources of income and potential expenses. Examples of the list are money from parents, student loans, and your part-time job. The list can include rent, utilities, groceries, and so on.

 Take everything into account along with their values and make a spreadsheet. Try to balance this spreadsheet and have a little bit left over for your savings.

2.     Get a Part-Time Job:

While it is important for you to focus on your studies and have free time for yourself after that, having a job can provide funds for you to spend on yourself. It’s also a great feeling to earn the money that you spend. Talk to your university about part-time job program and find a job that doesn’t interfere with your study time.

3.     Learn How to Cook:

This may seem more like a lifestyle tip than a finance one, but learning how to cook is one of the best ways to save money as a student. Cooking for yourself removes the idea on delivery and takeouts, which can add up quickly.

4.     Minimal Living Pays Off:

Don’t spend unnecessarily on furniture, appliances or nights out with your friends. Keep things simple. Remember, your primary focus should be on your studies. If you focus on that now, you’ll have your whole life to reap the rewards.

If you’ve never had a hand in managing finances, it might seem difficult at first. But keep your focus on your budget, especially in the early months and years. Getting a job should be your priority, as should keeping unnecessary spending to an absolute minimum.