Monday 03-03-2025 - 12:00

National Student Money Week 2025- Blog post 5

Keeping fit and active on a student budget

By Solomon Chann – Money Mentor

Read on for tips on for keeping healthy and active on a student budget, from Solo-mon Chann, one of the University’s Money Mentors,

Staying active on a student budget can be challenging. Between tuition fees and rent, a traditional gym membership may not always be the most practical option. However, there are many budget-friendly options available:

Free ways to stay fit

There are many free ways to keep active. Something as simple as following a guided running plan (using apps like Couch to 5K or Strava) can be a great step towards staying active. Other good options include following bodyweight exercises, yoga, cy-cling, or even just incorporating a walk into your daily routine.

Volunteer outdoors

If you’re up for the task, volunteering in your local community can be a great way to stay active whilst giving back. City farms and parks often look for volunteers to help with simple gardening or animal-care jobs. I volunteer at a farm near me - feeding sheep is a surprisingly effective workout and a great way to unwind! Apps like GoodGym, where volunteers meet up and run to complete tasks in their community, are also worth a try.

Consider budget-friendly gyms

If you prefer a gym, consider more budget-friendly options like The Gym Group, and take advantage of student discounts, or off-peak memberships to make use of your flexible student schedule. Gyms and sports facilities run by local councils or clubs also tend to be cheaper and offer discounted rates for residents too.

Final note

Even if staying fit may involve some costs, it’s often an investment worth making. Regular exercise can benefit your physical health and mental well-being, and can help prevent long-term health issues - potentially saving you money in the future.

 

Solomon is a postgraduate student based at our Moorgate campus and is one of the Money & Housing Advice Team’s Money Mentors.

Interested in becoming a Money Mentor in 2025/26? Contact the Money & Housing Advice Team – moneyandhousingadvice@law.ac.uk