Students in Wales saving over socialising amid rising costs

• 67 per cent of university students in Wales live at home 

• Students slash freshers week spending, with the majority (58%) spending less than £100 

• 16% of Welsh students puts student loan straight into savings

University students from Wales are amongst the thriftiest in the UK, with new research revealing that many are capping their Freshers’ Week spending and choosing to live at home to save money.

The research, conducted by student discount card TOTUM, demonstrates the vast majority of students in Wales – 67 per cent, are now living at home during term time rather than paying for halls or private rentals, amidst rising living costs and tuition fees.

The study, of 1,515 university students across the UK, also reveals savvy students are restricting their Freshers’ Week spending with the majority polled spending less than £100 on socialising during their first week of university, and 40 per cent less than £50.

The research also demonstrates Welsh students are taking a thrifty approach when it comes to their student loan, with 41 per cent of those polled stretching their loan throughout the whole term and 16% transferring it directly into their savings account.

Welsh Students Spend More on Groceries than Socialising

Wales was the only region where students spending on groceries (39%) exceeded their spend on socialising (33%).

Only a small number of students are turning to the bank of mum and dad, with only 10% having to borrow money from parents and the majority (78%) saying they didn’t get into debt during Freshers’ Week. Despite this, 34% of students polled wished that they had budgeted better, showing a strong focus on budgeting and financial responsibility.

This financially savvy approach is despite over half of students (52%) confessing they feel pressure to spend money and 68% agreeing that spending money on socialising helped them to make university friends.

The research also demonstrates the difference in spending habits between male and female students with men significantly more likely to be high spenders (21% compared to 14% female), spend on alcohol (30% compared to 22%), and takeaways (24% compared to 18% female). Meanwhile, female students are more likely to experience fear of missing out (FOMO).

Cultural Shift in Student Life

Simon Wild, Head of Marketing at TOTUM comments: “These findings suggest a cultural shift in student life, with financial responsibility shaping both social choices and living arrangements.

“Today’s students are financially switched-on in a way that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. The cost-of-living crisis and tuition fee rises has reshaped what Freshers’ Week looks like: it’s less about splashing out, and more about being smart from day one.

“Students know that every pound has to stretch further, and they’re taking control – from choosing where to live to how they socialise. Opportunities to maximise discounts and cashback on everyday purchases, like TOTUM student card, aren’t just nice-to-have extras anymore; they’re essential for making university life more affordable and enjoyable. The ability to make money go further isn’t just savvy – it’s survival, and this research demonstrates that students are rising to the challenge.”

Win Tuition Fees for One Year

TOTUM is stepping up to support students with the cost of university education by covering one lucky winner’s tuition fees for a full academic year – a potential saving of up to £9,535. To enter, students must simply sign up for TOTUM+ – the premium membership option costing from just £14.99 per year – by 31 December 2025.

As well as being in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, members will also get access to enhanced benefits, including proof of age ID and amazing discounts and cashback. Students can apply now at https://totum.com/campaigns/win-your-tuition to secure entry for this prize, as well as unlocking year-round savings as part of the TOTUM+ community.

The winner will be announced in early January 2026 and contacted directly by TOTUM.