Navigating the energy crisis as a student

As a university student, managing your finances can be challenging. And with accommodation being one of the most significant expenses you'll face, finding ways to reduce costs and save money is essential. One area that offers potential savings is your utility bills. By making some simple changes, you can reduce your energy usage, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. Next week is Energy Saving Week, so we've compiled some tips to help you save money on utilities in uni housing and reduce stress.

Understand your energy usage

The first step in reducing your utility bills is understanding how much energy you use. Most utility providers offer an online dashboard showing your usage, so sign up and monitor your usage regularly. Understanding when you're using the most energy can help you identify opportunities to reduce usage and save money.

Choose energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances can make a significant difference in your utility bills. When shopping for appliances, look for ones with an energy rating of A++ or above. These appliances use less energy and can help you save money over time. If you already have appliances, make sure to use them efficiently. For example, don't overfill your washing machine or dishwasher, as this can cause them to use more energy.

Switch to LED lights

LED lights are an excellent alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. They use significantly less energy and last much longer, making them a great investment. While LED bulbs may be more expensive initially, they can save you money in the long run. If you're still using incandescent bulbs, consider switching to LED bulbs to reduce your energy usage and save money.

Use power strips

Many appliances continue to use energy even when they're turned off. By plugging your appliances into power strips and turning the power strip off when you're not using them, you can prevent them from using standby power. This can help you save money on your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.

Turn off Appliances When Not in Use

When you're not using appliances, make sure to turn them off. This includes turning off lights, unplugging chargers, and turning off electronics like your TV and computer. By doing this, you can reduce your energy usage and save money on your utility bills.

Keep your heating at an optimal temperature

Keeping your heating at an optimal temperature can help you save money on your utility bills. The ideal temperature for your home is between 18-21°C, so make sure to set your thermostat within this range. You can also save money by turning down your heating by one degree, which can reduce your energy usage by up to 10%.

Use draft excluders

Drafts can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable, making it tempting to turn up the heating. By using draft excluders, you can keep the heat in your home and reduce your energy usage. You can use draft excluders around doors, windows, and even letterboxes to prevent drafts from entering your home.

Take advantage of natural light

Natural light is an excellent way to reduce your energy usage. Make sure to open your curtains during the day to allow natural light into your home. This can help you save money on lighting costs and reduce your energy usage.

Use water wisely

Water usage can also impact your utility bills. To reduce your water usage and save money, make sure to turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers. You can also install a water-saving showerhead, which can reduce your water usage by up to 50%.

Talk to your housemates or landlord

Finally, make sure to talk to your housemates about energy usage. If you work together and follow these tips, you can reduce your energy usage, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. And speak to your landlord or property manager. Utilities used to be included in most student accommodation rental prices, but since the government's u-turn on capped energy pricing late last year, it's no longer viable for most landlords to include a cost they can't predict. That doesn't mean the burden needs to fall solely to student tenants, though. Companies like StuRents offer energy partnerships that benefit landlords and students alike, making energy costs manageable and predictable. If your current lease doesn't include an energy partnership, ask your property manager to chat to StuRents about setting it up.

Even small changes can make a significant difference over time. So, take advantage of Energy Saving Week to make changes to your energy usage habits and reduce your stress. Implementing these simple steps can make your uni housing more energy-efficient and comfortable, while also saving money.