Freshers splash out on the first week

A recent survey conducted by VoucherCodes.co.uk has revealed that students spend an average of £2,115 before lectures even start this year.

There is on average £1096 spent on university essentials and a further £1019 that students manage to rid themselves of in just one week of partying.

VoucherCodes discovered just what it is that freshers splash their cash on.

Alcohol was top of the list with the average student spending £212 on it during Freshers’ Week. Students in Chelmsford spend the most on alcohol at £441, while at York they spend £56 for drinks overall.

A new wardrobe is the next biggest spend, costing £109, closely followed by supermarket food at £108.65. £100.49 is spent on takeaways during students’ first week.

“With a bit of forward planning students can make the most of everything student life has to offer without breaking the bank.”

Anita Naik

Entries to bars and clubs also tops the list of expenses, coming in at £100.28. Finally, 40 percent of students choose to buy gym memberships in their first week.

In addition to Fresher’s Week, students have to think about what they will need for studying and living at university. Technology tops the list of things purchased, with an average of £457 spent on the latest gadgets such as laptops, phones and televisions.

Study equipment and food shopping are the next biggest expenses, both coming in at £149. These are closely followed by kitchenware at £118, room accessories and bedding at £117 and cleaning equipment at £106.

The study shows that men spend more than women before university starts, spending £2,308, in comparison to the ladies who part with £1,716.

£300 of what men spend overall goes on new clothes, haircuts and other beauty treatments. By contrast, women only tend to spend £200 to look their best for Freshers’ Week.

Anita Naik, Consumer Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk commented: ‘‘While it’s well reported that university tuition fees are higher than ever, it’s surprising to see that students seem un-phased, spending over £1,200 kitting themselves out before Freshers’ Week has even begun.

“There are a wealth of student-friendly deals and offers around.With a bit of forward planning students can make the most of everything student life has to offer without breaking the bank.”