Moving into university accommodation or returning back to studying in September can be quite idyllic…you might even say deceptively so. The reason being that this is still the time of year during which all the joys of summer are still with us, which in the cases of students means things like beer gardens, outdoor living and not having to have the heating turned up to 11. Sadly though, with the nights drawing in and the warm weather on the out, it’s now only a matter of time until things take a chilly turn and living costs for students all over the country spike.

Rich picking for utility company bosses – not quite so ideal for the rest of us.

But here’s the thing…while frugality may not be the most exciting concept or trait in the world, it has the potential to net any canny student a small fortune in savings during the Great British winter. Student digs are not known for being luxuriously warm and cosy all winter long, but this doesn’t mean there’s any real need to bite the bullet and shell out every bit of your remaining loan on nothing more than surviving the winter.

Here’s an overview of some of the best tips you’ll ever hear for avoiding a financial hangover this winter:

1 – Put Some Clothes On

First and foremost, if you’re the type that likes to sit around in your underpants when it’s -10 degrees outside with the heating on full blast, you’re not the kind of person that’s allowed to moan when the heating bill comes in. Fun it might be and a common habit it most surely is, but at the same time you are literally pouring more money down the drain than you could ever realise. Now, this isn’t to say that you should spend the winter dressed like you’re off on an Antarctic expedition in your own room, but at the same time you could easily bring your heating bills right down just by putting some clothes on. Invest in some thermal pyjamas and you’re laughing!

2 – Group Together

Winter’s the perfect time to get nice and social as the more people you bunch together in one room, the warmer it gets naturally. Consider your friends and love-interests your personal (and 100% free) sources of heating to do your bidding all through the winter months. And in a similar vein, if any of your mates at university tend to have rooms or homes that are about a thousand times warmer than yours, why not go make use of their toasty temperatures rather than paying for your own?

3 – Go Out

In a similar vein to the above, it’s counterproductive to go out and spend a fortune while trying to save, but going out doesn’t have to cost you a penny. For example, if you’re planning to spend a full day or two studying, you might prefer to be at your own digs but chances are the library will be much warmer…not to mention free! There’s a ton you can do for both recreational and educational purposes without having to spend a penny, so consider getting out and about more this winter.

4 – Winter Warmers

As far as food goes, you probably know the kinds of foods that have a habit of keeping you warm. From soups to stews to casseroles to curries, the best thing about these is they’re cheap to make, you’ll need just one big pot to make them and you can make about a thousand servings to be frozen down for later. Load yourself up with winter warmers when the right special offers are on and you’ll be glad you did when the frost strikes.

5 – Get Moving

Admittedly, exercise doesn’t always top the lists of fun-things-to-do for most students, but it’s worth remembering that getting active also gets you warm. It’s great – simply get yourself a fast-paced exercise or Zumba DVD, do it once a day in your room and you’ll probably generate more heat than the radiator itself could in a full week!

6 – Speak To Your Landlord or Agency

Last but not least, the simple truth of the matter is that these days there really is no excuse for a student residence that’s freezing cold day in and day out, unless you have the heat blasting out at all times. This totally contravenes the UK’s sensible energy use guidelines and is slowly but surely being eradicated – it might just be a case of speaking out and letting your landlord know you aren’t happy about the situation. For more info, check student accommodation Newcastle