Moving to the United Kingdom as a newcomer brings many joys of embracing a new culture and home, but also budgetary challenges. The cost of housing, food, transportation and other essentials can really add up, especially given the current economic climate.
As someone learning to live frugally in my new country, I’ve gathered useful saving strategies that have allowed me to make the most of my income during this period of adjustment. In this blog, I’ll share insider knowledge on supermarket deals, cashback apps, discount schemes and other ways to cut costs as an immigrant to the UK.
Scoring Supermarket Bargains
Groceries make up a big chunk of expenditures, so shopping smartly is crucial. Here are my top tips for saving at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and other leading chains:
- Join the loyalty schemes of each supermarket to earn points, redeem vouchers and save money instantly. Click here to learn more.
- Check store flyers and download apps for mobile coupons, loyalty member prices and weekly promotions. “Meal of the week” marked-down items can save 30-50%.
- Hit the discount section for short-dated products nearing expiration. I’ve grabbed large bags of carrots and potatoes for 15p!
- Opt for supermarket budget lines like Tesco Everyday Value and Morrisons Savers. Quality isn’t noticeably lower but prices can be 30% or more cheaper.
- Buy in bulk for non-perishables you regularly use and store properly to reduce cost per use. 5kg bags of rice over 1kg ones.
- Stick to basics like house brand bread, eggs, pantry items. Avoid pre-chopped, seasoned, single-serve, and ready-made options.
- Check world food sections for cheap spices, oils, legumes, frozen ready meals under global brands.
- Shop late evening discounts. Last hour of the day items get marked down up to 50% off.
With planning and flexibility, you can eat well on a budget. Just avoid waste and unnecessary splurges in the tempting aisles.
Cashback and Loyalty Schemes
Cashback apps provide easy passive savings on top of supermarket loyalty points:
- Topcashback – Earn % cashback at major retailers via site redirects. £10 sign-up bonuses if you use my link.
- Quidco – Similar to TopCashback but with different merchant offers. Easy £15 welcome bonus by using my link.
- Airtime Rewards – Save money off cell bills via cashback on shopping gift cards.
- Shopmium – Scan receipts to redeem cash rewards for featured products.
- ClickSnap – Get cash rewards for grocery receipts by uploading photos via app.
- Shop & Scan – Another receipt upload app yielding store credit on selected brands.
These apps won’t save a fortune but over time 5-10% cashback on routine purchases add up so worth integrating into your shopping processes.
Discount Sites and Browser Extensions
Beyond groceries, ample online discounts make all shopping better:
- HotUKDeals – Community posts deals across every category updated constantly. Enables price drop alerts.
- UNiDAYS – Verification platform providing student discounts across retailers.
- Honey – Browser extension automatically tests codes and finds lowest prices at checkout.
- Pouch – Finds any applicable voucher codes for your cart and prompts you to activate them to save money. Easy install.
- Vouchers.co.uk – Comprehensive voucher code and deals site to browse savings by retailer.
- Wowcher – “Deal of the day” site selling discounted gift cards for savings on future shopping.
- Groupon – Another major discount marketplace for deals at local and national businesses.
From clothing sales to restaurant offers, monitor these resources to maximize savings as an immigrant in the UK.
Free Entertainment, Attractions and Events
Having fun frugally is feasible if you take advantage of free activities:
- Museums & art galleries – Majority offer free general admission including The National Gallery and British Museum in London.
- Parks & gardens – Endless options like Hyde Park, Regents Park, and Kew Gardens to roam beautifully tended green spaces.
- Hiking trails – Explore the countryside and forests on the abundant public footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the country.
- Public libraries – Borrow books, movies, music, and more at your local branch. Also host free events. Attend talks, clubs, classes.
- Festivals & concerts – Keep an eye out for free music and cultural festivals like BST Hyde Park in summer.
- Tours – Walking tour companies like Strawberry Tours offer pay-what-you-want tours led by local guides.
- Comedy nights – Venues like Angel Comedy in London host free stand-up with newer comedians polishing skills.
With planning, there are plenty of ways to seize free or low-cost entertainment and sightseeing.
Additional Cost Saving Hacks
Some final money saving pointers:
- Buy secondhand – Shop charity shops, vintage stores, Facebook Marketplace for clothes, furniture, electronics.
- Use student advantage – Ask if there is student discount proactively during shopping.
- Choose overtime – Say yes to extra shifts or freelance gigs to earn more.
- Meal prep – Cook in batches when you find deals. Freeze portions. Pack lunch rather than buy.
- Cancel unused subscriptions – Audit recurring charges you may not need like apps and downsize.
- Barter services – Trade skills or possessions rather than paying for things.
- Watch fuel efficiency – Drive smoothly without quick acceleration/braking and combine needed errands.
Regardless of income level, frugality goes a long way. Hopefully these tips help you keep costs low and pocketbook happy during your new chapter in the UK! If you want to learn how to earn supplement income in the UK, this post contains the details of it.
