what I spend in a week london student || 20 year old on a budget

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  • Опубліковано 4 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 114

  • @JustFrugalMe
    @JustFrugalMe 4 роки тому +309

    "I'm not a cheap person but I like value and saving money". We share the same vision. I'm not cheap, I'm frugal. Frugal is being resourceful

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +12

      Yes very resourceful! I’m glad you share the vision 💪🏼 it’s a good way to live I feel!

  • @arjunshah7105
    @arjunshah7105 8 місяців тому +2

    Just got an offer from King's for E&M. I've started watching a lot of your videos and have really enjoyed them!

  • @deanwild4971
    @deanwild4971 4 роки тому +53

    This was a real eye opener for me. Me and my wife easily spend over £100 per week on food shopping

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +6

      wow! Well I hope this video gave you some idea of how to cut down your spending so you can save more of your money for longer term big buys! Have a great day Dean :)

    • @jimfiggerty833
      @jimfiggerty833 3 роки тому +1

      How much gets thrown away ?

    • @deanwild4971
      @deanwild4971 3 роки тому

      @@jimfiggerty833 depends, I'd say at least 10%

  • @vivienbernhard4055
    @vivienbernhard4055 4 роки тому +115

    It's always so interesting to see how other people spend their money. I was surprised by how little you spent on your food shop, at the same time I was shocked by how high your rent is. Where I live we tend to pay a lot less.

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +7

      I agree!! It’s so interesting to see others breakdowns and how much they can differ from person to person! Our rent was actually initially more but I was able to negotiate it down using our contract length which was very lucky! London is hella expensive 😬☺️

    • @jjjuhg
      @jjjuhg 4 роки тому +1

      @@meiyingchow near Manchester, rent is 400 to 500 £ for 3 bedroom house. We live with our children. In 15 to 20 min you are in Manchester. Why work so many days for rent ? But i know that people want London, i understand...

    • @eugenelim11
      @eugenelim11 2 роки тому

      London rent is freaking super expensive, mate.

  • @leahmcdermott4189
    @leahmcdermott4189 3 роки тому +10

    I live in Central London (Zone 1) and have lived here for my whole life. My best advice to people wanting to study in London is don’t do it if you can’t afford it. Not to be mean, but it can be so trying and difficult trying to live and struggle without having enough money here. I see broke students everyday. Try to secure a part time job (if you need one) so that way, it’s not a struggle. The most expensive thing is rent (everything else is fine) so defo looking around for cheapest rent for a while. Don’t be afraid to live in the more gritty/less popular areas as those will be cheaper but also still close to Central, with good transport. Don’t believe lies that those areas are more “dangerous”. Everywhere in London is dangerous. People have been stabbed/killed in every part of London.. from Brixton to Knightsbridge. That’s just life 🤷🏽‍♀️
    Food can be cheap, honestly just depends where you shop. There’s more than enough cheaper places, food on rollback and student deals to live just fine. Obvs don’t go out for cocktails and drinks all the time as those are expensive. Same premise for clothes. I’ve never had to struggle for money despite living in Zone 1 because I’m frugal, intentional and track all my spending, so living on a budget here can defo be done. I’m fortune enough to have the support of my parents who are good earners but regardless, I know I could do it on my own. Good luck guys! 💕

  • @lucyinch4336
    @lucyinch4336 4 роки тому +62

    My dream is to study business at Kings but the only thing putting me off is the cost of living in London so this has given me some hope that I can do it on a budget lol! X

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +6

      I completely understand! London finances are quite terrifying when it comes to uni as a lot of people start being independent at that age too. Kings does have a few bursary schemes and scholarships too so check if you’re applicable to those 🌟 if you have any more questions let me know xx

    • @jjjuhg
      @jjjuhg 4 роки тому

      Manchester is cheaper and probably better. Rent in a town near Manchester and you could pay 360 to 450 £ for a house. Plenty of jobs too.

  • @paige157
    @paige157 4 роки тому +33

    this was so interesting!! since i live in nyc, everything is SO expensive and there's not really reduced stuff, a wrap costs like $10/$15! I can't imagine getting one for under $2 or so :o wild!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +6

      Ah no way!! That sounds crazy 😱 I guess I would be living off meal prep everyday haha but still nyc is such a dreamy place to live! I’m glad you found the video interesting tho and have a lovely day Paige 💜

  • @b.allamedia
    @b.allamedia 4 роки тому +7

    I'm hoping to move to London in the next year (after quarantine, because I'm from Canada), so hearing your expenses is SO helpful as I budget for my move. It's also super helpful to hear from someone who spends more frugally, so thank you!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      I’m so glad this video could help you! Good luck for your move Samphe 💛 and safe travels lovely ☀️

  • @28462-s
    @28462-s 4 роки тому +26

    To lower the price even more for transport, use a Oyster card you save on average 50% of ticket prices so that slices it down by a half

    • @leahmcdermott4189
      @leahmcdermott4189 3 роки тому

      Really? I’ve lived in London my whole life.. how did I not know this? I take the underground and even when I used to use my Oyster, it’s still the same price.. £2.60 for one journey. Are you sure? 🤷🏽‍♀️

    • @harrietparker9090
      @harrietparker9090 2 роки тому +1

      @@leahmcdermott4189 you don't wanna use oyster you want an 18+ student zip card -mnot quite 50% but still shaves a bit off

    • @avighnajha7114
      @avighnajha7114 2 роки тому +1

      @@harrietparker9090 U only save 30% on railcards with the 18+ oyester u don't get any discounts on normal travel.

  • @olivesutherland988
    @olivesutherland988 4 роки тому +8

    That’s so good- I’m going to a London uni next year and this was so helpful for me to get an idea of what it will be like on a budget- thanks!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Ahh good luck for uni next year! I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time Olive and I’m so glad this video could help you out 💜

  • @mridulamanoj12
    @mridulamanoj12 4 роки тому +5

    Accounting exam!
    It's really cool to see how some one else spends money and I got a lot a tips from it! Have a lovely day!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +3

      Ah yay I’m glad you found it interesting. I loved calculating all my little costs and it was fun for me actually haha! 10 sneaky chow points and have a wonderful week ahead lovely 😊

  • @ishitasinghal3645
    @ishitasinghal3645 4 роки тому +11

    I'd love to see you do a "What I Eat in a Week" video from you!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +3

      Sure I can do that! 💕 would you like a chatty vlog type or a simpler one with just clips of what I eat and a voice over, or you don’t mind haha?

    • @ishitasinghal3645
      @ishitasinghal3645 4 роки тому +1

      @@meiyingchow Whatever you're most comfortable with! I've just seen a bunch of youtubers doing that but honestly I think you'd be so good at it, especially given that you're a college student on a budget - which is what most of us are

  • @Thongtra
    @Thongtra 4 роки тому +4

    This is me seeing myself years ago. Reduced stuff hunting! That's how you get through uni :)

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Haha quite right! It’s a fun activity and highly rewarding 😆✨

  • @jas_313
    @jas_313 4 роки тому +3

    Coming to the video a little late as I’m thinking of applying to Kings for 2021 entry! This was super helpful and eased my worries about the whole “London is FAR to expensive you’ll barely SURVIVE let alone thrive as a student there” horror stories/anxieties. I was wondering though (inspired by your hack of taking extra food served at dinner to have for lunch the next day), would you say it works out cheaper/easier expenses wise (especially as being a first year in London would be quite intimidating at first in regards to money!) to be in self catered or catered accommodation? thanks so much for this vid :)

  • @amelia0266
    @amelia0266 4 роки тому +5

    I’m so excited to watch 🥰
    Since I’ve discovered your videos you’ve become my favourite UA-camr❤️😘

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Ahh thank you so much Amelia!! That’s such a lovely comment ☺️ that’s made my day 💕

  • @LILYOFNIGERIA
    @LILYOFNIGERIA 4 роки тому +3

    Very organized video. 😄 I like how you included your education.

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Thank you lovely! I do love a bit of accounting here and there 🧾 I’m glad you enjoyed it and have a lovrly day!

  • @LifeofFlora
    @LifeofFlora 3 роки тому

    Saving is the new normal, love it.

  • @emiliakuchta4761
    @emiliakuchta4761 3 роки тому

    I really want to study medicine at King's but living on budget in London is stressing me out so much like omg. Your video honestly calmed me down so much💜 Student maintenance loan won't be able to cover the expenses but hopefully if I find a on campus job or something I'll be good!!

  • @fifthcarcrash
    @fifthcarcrash 4 роки тому +4

    Ahh so helpful thanks for sharing! And omg ur room is goals so soothing and cute❣

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      That’s my pleasure! I’m so glad I could help and thank you so much 🌟🥰

  • @mac3490
    @mac3490 4 роки тому +2

    Absolutely brilliant video. Your videos are absolutely bloody amazing!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much!! Your comment has made my day 💪🏼 I’m so glad you enjoy them and see you next week!

  • @lena-trajkovic17
    @lena-trajkovic17 4 роки тому +3

    This is such a useful video, thank you from a fellow student!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Ahh my pleasure!! I’m glad I can help. The student struggles are real don’t worry I feel you 😆 have a lovely day Lena 🌟

    • @lena-trajkovic17
      @lena-trajkovic17 4 роки тому

      @@meiyingchow Thank you, and you too! Sorry for replying this late

  • @kayjays7267
    @kayjays7267 4 роки тому

    Really enjoyed your what I spend in week, its so realistic as well which is nice so thanks for sharing, it would be nice to see a lockdown edition as well to see if there are big differences :) :) I find that people who eat out three times a week and get a coffee everyday unrealistic to me, but it is the norm to some so understandable, I eat out once a week nowadays its takeaway once a week and I don't like coffee, but I do like tea but I make that at home :) :)

  • @chrissybre7010
    @chrissybre7010 4 роки тому +3

    I’ll be in London soon for 4 months and your videos are so helpful! Where do you go to get the free drink? where can I get a T2 bottle?

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +2

      Good luck for your move Chrissy and you can get the t2 flask off their website or in their shops and you go to any t2 store on a Friday at any time. They’ve got quite a few - I tend to go to the Tottenham Court Road one!

    • @chrissybre7010
      @chrissybre7010 4 роки тому +1

      Mei-Ying Chow thank you so much!!! that sounds so cool! already added that to my London to-do-list! 💕

  • @ngayanc10
    @ngayanc10 4 роки тому +2

    This was so thorough and we'll explained. I really need to sit down and work out my budget... I have a feeling it's a lot more than yours 😬😅

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Ah thank you Yan and that sounds like a good weekend activity to me! Have a great day ✨

  • @jjjuhg
    @jjjuhg 4 роки тому +1

    Try pakeeza yogurt and add organic cream. Find them at Sainsbury's. Stay away from low fat. We need good fats. ( omega 3 from sardines, cream, egg yolks ) . If you want to burn fat, go low on starchy carbohydrates, not on good fats. Stay away of vegetable oils. Good fats are needed fof brain, nerves, hormones, skin, collagen, energy, etc.

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Ooooh thank you so much!! I’ve never heard of pakeeza yoghurt. I shall look into that! I get a lot of omega 3s generally through my fish consumption and take extra when exams are coming. I bought the low fat cause it was the only one on the shelf that time haha 💕 have a lovely day!

    • @jjjuhg
      @jjjuhg 4 роки тому

      @@meiyingchow low fat diets, like without egg yolk fats, cream, etc...are destructive for entire body. Lowering the hormone production will make a person weak, tired, depressed, bad skin and low libido. Vegetable oils are oxidized, omega 6, polyunsaturated, inflammatory, man made oils. (palm, canola, rapseed, sunflower, corn oils) . It was very much advertised for the last 50 years...vegetable oils = good, animal fats ( natural fats ) = bad. Then the number of people with all kinds of diseases increased every year since. Not animal fats causes diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, depression, but bad carbohydrates, like wheat and sugar, high fructose corn syrup and too much potatos ( cooked with oil ) blood sugars too high=( eyes, nerves, heart, kidneys dammage also). Sugar is glucose, but starchy carbohydrates become glucose ( sugar ) in the blood. Which triggers high cholesterol, high blood pressure, tiredness and a domino of side effectsAlso going low salt is so wrong, because we need electrolytes for nervous system and heart and energy, plus chlorine from salt is used to produce stomach acid ( clorohydric acid ) . Without good stomach PH of 2 or 3, the food will not be digested we will have bloating and discomfort, nutrients will not be absorbed from foods. For good stomach acid we also need iodine. ( i buy nascent iodine from Amazon) . Watch Dr. Berg for how to heal yourself and to find out the cause of all disease. My vegan friends are the most depressed people. If you continue long enough, you will see changes that you don't like. Carnivore is extreme, vegan is extreme, stay balanced :)

    • @jjjuhg
      @jjjuhg 4 роки тому

      @@meiyingchow how to look younger ( not that you need, but its important for all of us ) ua-cam.com/video/IT-HoBPSR78/v-deo.html

  • @sarah-re7pg
    @sarah-re7pg 3 роки тому +2

    hi! i leave sixth form to go to uni next year and i’m interested in kings and this was a really informative video! although i’m worried about one thing, i’ll obviously get a part time job outside of uni to help pay costs but i’m worried i won’t be able to afford that much per week! i would look into getting a roommate but i have no idea how to go about that!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  3 роки тому +1

      For first year I would recommend staying at kings accommodation so you can meet friends that you want to live with in second and third year! ❤️ best of luck with exams and applications!!

    • @sarah-re7pg
      @sarah-re7pg 3 роки тому

      @@meiyingchow thank you so much!!

  • @harrietcrossingham1107
    @harrietcrossingham1107 4 роки тому +3

    Hey! Staying in college hall is it sociable? I’ve just been allocated it for this year and I’m worried that with COVID and everything it’s going to be really hard to make friends there with no kitchen etc.

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Hey Harriet!! Honestly - it’s one of the MOST social intercollegiate halls going! You all meet and chat at breakfast and dinner every single day and they hold loads of events during freshers to break the ice which is so lovely!! I hope you really enjoy your year there 💕 I loved mine 🥰

    • @harrietcrossingham1107
      @harrietcrossingham1107 4 роки тому

      Thank you! I’m really excited but also very nervous hopefully it will be easier to make friends than I think!

  • @Jess-qx3zk
    @Jess-qx3zk 4 роки тому

    Sooo helpful! Would you say getting a personal mini fridge is necessary?

  • @emmadonnaint3281
    @emmadonnaint3281 4 роки тому +3

    Great video! Do you have any tips on finding a flat in Londons? I'm planning on applying for uni there for my masters, and I'm so stressed out about rent :(

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +4

      Oooh yes I’d happily make a whole video on that. It’s certainly quite a stressful time and there isn’t much information anywhere. I would say don’t stress but when you want to find a place you will find one within a couple of weeks. The housing market moves super fast in London so there’s always new places but you have to be really on it for those few weeks with viewings and calling up etc. Good luck!! 🌟

  • @jeneemarshall8410
    @jeneemarshall8410 4 роки тому +6

    as someone who’s lived in america their whole live, it seems so strange to pay rent weekly.

    • @ezradominic5200
      @ezradominic5200 3 роки тому +3

      You don’t pay weekly I think it’s just put in that format

  • @mznabi
    @mznabi 4 роки тому +2

    I found an old recipe on you channel for naked bars and they were so good!

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +2

      Yesssss I love that recipe so much!! I haven’t made them in ages but might do that sometime this week actually. It’s so much cheaper than buying the bars 🥰

  • @mayayoung7224
    @mayayoung7224 4 роки тому +1

    Hey mei ying! I’m about to start at KCL this september and your videos are so helpful! I was just wondering how/where you get your free T2 drink? Also, where can I get one of those T2 flasks? Help a fellow frugal sister out 😂❤️

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +2

      www.t2tea.com/en/uk/teawares/t2-stainless-steel-flask-eye-print-pink-H999BU138.html that's the link to the T2 website and one of the flasks that you can get free tea in! It's currently on sale and I would only recommend buying one when they're half off as they often do sales. Then its £15 for life time supply of fancy matcha as well as a very good quality flask for hot or cold drinks! Good luck with uni in september and hope to see you around Maya!

  • @extremeforlife8563
    @extremeforlife8563 4 роки тому +5

    So M&S has reduced prices before closing..? is this everywhere... i only go in the mornings fml what have i been doing

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Haha yes they do! At least you know now though and stay safe 🥰

  • @Sven07931
    @Sven07931 4 роки тому +4

    whats a well-organized vid!! well done like it🤓

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much Siwen! I’m glad you enjoyed the video ☺️💪🏼

  • @LizzurdJaefly42
    @LizzurdJaefly42 4 роки тому +1

    Is that the Fitbit versa 2?? I JUST got the Fitbit versa lite literally 2 days ago. How do you like yours?

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Yessss it is!! How very observant you are 😏 its so cool tracking sleep and my runs and I have a smart plug so turning on lights and stuff is even cooler 😎 I hope you’re liking yours!!

  • @vitorxd12_81
    @vitorxd12_81 3 роки тому +1

    I am really thinking about change my life in Brazil and go try out my luck in UK, but honestly, i am afraid of the racism. i feel like i wont get a job there because of my home country, and, apparently, Europe people hate foreigners because we are like "stealing European people jobs"
    And if that's the case, i wont be able to sustain myself there, and i will be forced to leave. the only option it's uber / lyft, but idk if i will be able to get a car and a license to work there within a month. and if i leave and without doing do any money, i would broke up, because try luck in other country isn't cheap.
    I just want get out of Brazil quick, cant live afraid of getting a bullet on my head every time i go into the streets at night, i cant live being afraid of getting my things stolen, cant live in a place that Bolsonaro is in command.
    I just want to be happy, and to do it, i got at least to be safe
    sorry for my grammar btw, as you can tell, english isn't my first Language. pls correct my misspelling.

  • @jessberry9721
    @jessberry9721 3 роки тому

    Do you spend money on alcohol and with things like buying clothes or a night out how much does that cost each time ?

  • @notawab8720
    @notawab8720 4 роки тому +2

    Accounting exam
    Loved the vid
    I have about 23 chow points

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      Ooooh thank you so much 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it and you’re on a grand total of 33 now 🥰😉

  • @LeahRebecca
    @LeahRebecca 4 роки тому +5

    Not too bad for London

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +2

      Haha thank you!! I do pride myself in my financial management 😉🥰

  • @tayyangel4118
    @tayyangel4118 4 роки тому

    Can you make a video for people trying to move to london after quarantine?

  • @spoonkill3r
    @spoonkill3r 4 роки тому +1

    Thx!!!

  • @elio_fay
    @elio_fay 4 роки тому

    What’s your job, if you don’t mind me asking?

  • @sudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
    @sudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 4 роки тому

    I'm coming to London to study at LSE. How much is my monthly market need in total?

  • @tiarock3855
    @tiarock3855 3 роки тому

    Graham should react to this

  • @Helena-Jada
    @Helena-Jada 4 роки тому +1

    thank you so much for this! when do m&s do their yellow sticker deals... i never see them

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      My pleasure! I’m glad I could help 💜 I would say 3-4 hours before closing is the best time as any later than that and they’ll all be gone usually. Sometimes there’s a dedicated reduced section or if it’s a small M&S they’ll be marked with a yellow sticker with the other stuff ⭐️

  • @vei_chou
    @vei_chou 4 роки тому

    Don't you work part time jobs?
    Or KCL students so have the time?

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      half of my friends have part time jobs and I do a lot of social media jobs as my part time income so there definitely is time - final year is a bit more of struggle though but it's worth it for the CV and experience!

  • @shivamkanda6172
    @shivamkanda6172 4 роки тому +1

    is it £200 rent just for you, or is it for the both of you??

  • @ohheyitsvarsha
    @ohheyitsvarsha 4 роки тому +2

    teach me your ways im so broke

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому

      I shall be your personal shopper/ accountant from now on Varsha 💰🌟

  • @DM-pv8qf
    @DM-pv8qf 3 роки тому

    *Cries in international student* lol

  • @warinasharma8636
    @warinasharma8636 4 роки тому

    what are chow points ??

    • @MarinaOkarinah
      @MarinaOkarinah 4 роки тому +1

      Best thing in this channel! Secret point for smart viewers hahaha =^.^=

    • @warinasharma8636
      @warinasharma8636 4 роки тому

      @@MarinaOkarinah cute! but how will those benefit me?

    • @MarinaOkarinah
      @MarinaOkarinah 4 роки тому +1

      @@warinasharma8636 mmm, well, there's no benefit really. Just the chance to talk to Mei Jing

    • @warinasharma8636
      @warinasharma8636 4 роки тому

      @@MarinaOkarinah I HOPE I GET A CHANCE TO MEET HER SOMEDAY🤞🤞

    • @MarinaOkarinah
      @MarinaOkarinah 4 роки тому

      @@warinasharma8636 hahhaa me too! But i'm a bit far from London

  • @mac3490
    @mac3490 4 роки тому +5

    You’re obviously not cheap! You use Apple products! But really, I’m very similar, not cheap, but value for money is super important to me too, some people are so stupid with their money, it’s because they don’t know or appreciate the value of money. When one has experienced being broke, then one understands the value of money. Also, I wouldn’t count university fees as a cost as that’s an investment in your future.

    • @meiyingchow
      @meiyingchow  4 роки тому +1

      Ahh thank you so much!! That’s such a lovely comment. I certainly do appreciate the value of money and even my Apple products I would say are an investment as I need them for uni as well as editing my videos and photos. Big purchases like those take me such a long time to research and also finance!! I hope you have a great day 🌟

  • @nidhimathur8986
    @nidhimathur8986 4 роки тому

    Hi, so I kinda DM you on your insta account regarding kings college.
    I kinda have some queries regarding it, as I am from India and i have planned to do my masters in forensic psychology from London, I found out about Kings College so just had a couple of questions regarding the environment and various other stuff about the university so it will be really helpful if you could get back to me...??😔😔
    Also, thank you so much for posting this video. It is really helpful for the international students to understand about the correct means of spending in one of the expensive place in U.K. so ....thanks for posting it. 🙂🤗

  • @ajsmoth3509
    @ajsmoth3509 4 роки тому

    Fucks sake there’s no way your 20