Being a student means living in that weird space where you desperately need a treat but also need to check your bank account before buying actual cheese. But just because your budget’s tight doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the finer things in life, like bubble tea, bath bombs, or five minutes of peace.
So, if you’ve just survived a brutal deadline, celebrating a tiny win (you made it to your 9am), or just feel like you deserve something nice (you do) here are 10 affordable treats on a student budget that won’t trigger your overdraft.
🫧 DIY Spa Night (with bits from your local supermarket)
Think face masks, cucumber slices, and a bath bomb if you’ve got a tub. Or a hot foot soak if you don’t. Light a candle, play a chill playlist, and thank yourself later.
🍰 Order just dessert
You don’t need a full meal to get that ‘treat’ buzz. Order your favourite dessert on delivery apps or go out just for a cheeky brownie or slice of cake. Cheap, cheerful, and sugar-powered joy.
🍫 Buy a ‘little luxury’ from the shop you always browse but rarely buy from
Whether it’s a fancy chocolate bar, a cool notebook, or a fun piece of homeware, spend a fiver on something that brings you daily joy. Permission granted.
☕ Solo coffee date
Go out for coffee or bubble tea. No need to spend loads. Sit in, people-watch, read something fun, and reclaim your peace.
🎶 Curate your own ‘just because’ playlist
Pour some effort into making a personalised feel-good playlist. Then blast it while walking to lectures or cleaning your room. It costs nothing but can genuinely lift your whole vibe.
📖 Buy a second-hand book, vinyl, or DVD for under £3
Local charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, or second-hand stores are goldmines. You can often find a hidden gem that feels like you.
💤 Make a night of doing nothing
Switch off your notifications, grab your comfiest clothes, and spend an evening doing absolutely nothing productive. It’s the ultimate rebellion and it’s free.
🍳 Cook or bake something just for fun
Find a recipe that’s totally unnecessary (cookies, pancakes, iced coffee, mug cakes). Then make it for yourself, no special occasion needed. Extra points for presentation.
🎨 Get a cheap creative kit and get stuck in
Whether it’s watercolours, a mini cross-stitch, clay modelling, or a random Poundland craft set, getting creative (even badly) is weirdly therapeutic.
📷 Take yourself on a free city walk or micro adventure
Explore a part of your uni town you’ve never visited. Add in a podcast, grab a snack en route, and take some pics like you’re a tourist. Feels fresh, costs pennies.
Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean blowing your entire budget, sometimes the smallest things bring the biggest boost. And if you’re looking to level up your budget, Unibeez is a great place to find a flexible student job that works around your studies. More money, more treats, less stress. Sounds good, right?
Because being broke is temporary, but the need for snacks, self-care and a little joy? Eternal.
