In this cozzie-livs crisis, the savvy University of Newcastle student must negotiate a hellscape of bougie food trucks, supermarket duopolies and Neo-Dickensian landlords. But there are still bargains to be had, free swag to be liberated, and maybe, just maybe, you might have some coin left over for the fun stuff.
Ok let’s cut to it – who’s hungry?
If you’re struggling with grocery bills, check out UNSA’s Grocery Hub or Free Food Fridays, offering a supply of pantry items available for students to collect for free!
There was a meme doing the rounds last year, “UON or LAX?” comparing the prices between food outlets at Los Angeles International Airport and University of Newcastle. One of those memes you laugh at, then feel sad about a moment after.
There are, however, some cheap–or even free–eats around. Bar on The Hill at Callaghan has plenty of food options for $12 and under, Think Cafe offers $10 Banh Mi, or you can grab a toastie for $8 at LC Deli in the Student Accommodation Precinct . The $4 frozen meals available from UNSA Callaghan always satisfy, plus the regular FREE BBQs across campuses always go down a treat.
And don’t forget to check out random club events on campus! They are often a chance to meet new friends, and pick up free merch!
Gym Membership and Sports Clubs:
Can you put a price on your health? The answer is, of course, yes. It’s $12.30 per week for a student concession membership to NUsport At The Forum, which is less than you could, and I do, spend on junk food and energy drinks on campus. Another way to make friends and keep fit at the same time is by joining a sports club on campus. Most clubs have social events with free food, so check out the spread and see what appeals.
Needs V. Wants
Adulting requires an aggravating amount of spending on life admin and incidentals, like the privilege of having teeth. Dental is not cheap in Australia, but you might be able to find some more wallet friendly choices.
Bulk billing services are available for students covered by Medicare at the Callaghan Campus GP. Services Australia is the place to go to get your Health Care Card, which gets you a better chance of receiving bulk billing and discounted medication (remember, you might qualify for a Health Care Card and other services even if you don’t qualify for a payment, check out your entitlements).
Want to save money and meet a colourful and cooky cast of local larrikins? Why not risk a jaunt on public transport? Be sure to organise your student concession for the best price.
The NSW Government has introduced a saving measure that might cut down your spending on utilities, as well as access to join NRMA’s Roadside Assistance Free2go program.
And as a University of Newcastle student, you are entitled to cheap or even free access to a range of software, as well as a discounted laptops through UNSA and the Dell Student Purchase Program.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself
Did you know that with a little food colouring and a can of pineapple, you can turn a goon sack into a delicious tropical punch? Am I in Bali already?!
In Newcastle, Wednesday is traditionally student nights at the pubs and clubs but be sure to do your due googling and find out what nights have the best meal and drink prices at your local. Venues like the Civic Theatre, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and local theatres like the Newcastle Theatre Company often offer discounts depending on the production.
Don’t forget, being a student entitles you to a range of discounts across tech, services, food and entertainment, so don’t be afraid to ask for a student discount, even if one isn’t explicitly advertised.
Feature Image: Created using Adobe Firefly and Photoshop