All posts by Peter Andrews

Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellbeing

Are Smart devices truly making us less smart???

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TECHNOLOGY

ARE SMART DEVICES TRULY MAKING US LESS SMART??

6th APRIL 2025 / LILIA MCPHEE/ LEAVE A COMMENT

The use of technology has grown massively over the past decade. Did you know that over 90% of the global population own at least one smart device? It’s no surprise really considering how fast innovation is moving. These smart devices we own like our mobile phones , smart watches and even smart fridges are designed to make our life more simple , faster and bring us more connected to one another.

But here lies the big questions … are these smart devices the downfall for us as humans? making us lazy , distracted and less capable to think for ourselves.

Credit: Eli Savage, Staff Illustrator

In this blog we will focus  in on the ups and downs of the digital world , the impact it has posed on human intelligence and what can be done to reverse the negative side effects that have come from the use of these devices.

How smart devices have evolved us in a positive way 📈

Advancements in technology which has led to the reign of smart devices has really helped evolve the world . Below are three key areas in which they have enhanced human capability.

  • Instant information ℹ️ – The use of the Internet and AI access has helped humans to gain information in lightning speed . Speeding up processes such as gathering information for assignments, work projects or just general knowledge.

 

  • Connection globally 🌍  – Having facilities like FaceTime , Skype and social media has helped people to stay connected wherever and no matter the distance.

 

  • Safety and awareness⚠️ –  Innovations in smart technology gave improved safety for the public. For example, phones can now detect earthquakes , send weather alerts and track  a persons location via apps like life360. Having these facilities has helped to keep people safer and spread word of danger in a more efficient way.

Although while this may all sound like sunshine and rainbows there are big issues that have followed from these smart devices….

The Dark side  📉

Some of the key negatives of using these smart devices are…

  • Dependency 🤖 – With frequent use of these smart devices people have forgot how to think for themselves which is a result from having access to pretty much anything at your fingertips. For example, google and now the likes of chatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can answer questions at a fast pace. This has also been proven to have effects on users memory and retention from these new tools and features on smart devices people no long feel the need to hold so much information or remember it like they used to.

🧠 would you say you rely too much on your devices for simple information that you already know but you are  just too lazy to retain this information?

  • Attention span 🚨 – Humans attention span has lowered dramatically over the last decade as a result of technology and social media in the 2000 it was recorded that the average attention span for an adult was 12 seconds however it recent years it has fallen to 8.25 seconds being lower than a goldfish at 9 seconds.

🧪 Why not find out your own individual attention span through The attention span test . 

  • Losing our ability to think critically 💭 –  we often accept the first thing we see as a fact falling victim to things we hear and see on our smart devices , like social media and scare mongering from fake news shared online through our smart devices.

“Personally,  I relate with the issues touched on above having grown up with smart devices myself. They’ve been both a blessing and a drawback in various aspects of life. Looking back on my childhood, one of my first smart devices was a Nintendo DS. I believe this hindered with my ability to socialise with others during a crucial stage of development as a young person which is something that has followed me into my adult life”.

Watch this short video to see another person’s take on the decline smart devices are having on  us…

Source: YouTube,  CBS Sunday Morning

Mental and physical health decline

Despite making us less smart it also has detrimental impacts on a person health both physically and mentally through sleep , anxiety and social aspects read here for more.

Credit: Aesthetic Apparatus

What can we do?

so how can we reverse these effects before it’s too late ..

  • Designated No tech time 📵
  • Set Screen time limits ⏰
  • Create designated Tech free areas in your living spaces like  bedrooms and dinner tables while eating. This can help with sleep and being present in the moment rather than having the distraction of your phone , laptop, tv and social media. 🧘‍♀️

All these practices are a form of digital detox and mindfulness take a further look into what this really means for you and the benefits of this bellow .

source: YouTube, Bupa Health 

Final thoughts …

Mokokoma Mokhonoana once said…

“Some devices are smart, unlike their owners.”

― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Let’s change this….

Finding a smart way of using your digital devices could be the reinvention of the smarter YOU 🫵. Remember that when you next go to grab them!

The development in these smart devices has advanced us but this has come with implications on the way we think. The goal is not to fall backwards but instead implement balance by becoming more aware of these issues and work smarter around them.

So the real question isn’t are smart devices making us less smart as a matter of fact its can we outsmart our smart devices?

Striking a healthy balance of using these devices to enhance and not replace our thinking we really can have the best of both worlds.

Credit: Verywell , Laura Porter

As we come to the end of this why not challenge yourself to a full hour today completely tech free and with that, I mean Everything…. Use this time to reconnect with the real world through tasks like reading , drawing , going for a walk or having a genuine face to face conversation with someone.

Then reflect… and ask yourself….

  • Did you feel more focused ? 🧠
  • Would you do this again? 🔁
  • Were you tempted in any way to pick up your phone or any other smart device? 🤳

Leave a comment and share this experience! If you participated in something different from the suggestions above let others know in the comments with the hopes to inspire ideas for future tech free hours.  And if you completed the attention span test go ahead and compare your scores bellow.

 

 

 

Home, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Study Tips, Wellbeing

The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget

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Posted by Olivia Gregory

Lets be real – university life is expensive. Between textbooks, rent, social nights and the occasional cheeky takeaway, budgeting becomes an extreme sport. Add trying to eat healthy on top of that? You might feel like it’s impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to stick to a student budget.

Why Nutrition Matters for Students

University life can be demanding – a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, social events and part-time jobs. Amid all this, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of eating well. Research consistently shows that good nutrition is directly linked to academic performance, mental health and physical well-being – all of which are vital for student success.

Nutrition Supports:

  • Cognitive Performance: The brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy, so it’s no surprise that what you eat affects how well you think (Gómez-Pinilla, 2008).
  • Mental Health: Eating high-quality food nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress (Selhub, 2022).
  • Energy and Physical Health: Students who regularly skip meals or rely heavily on takeaways often experience irregular energy levels, poor sleep, and a higher chance of illness (Pengpid and Peltzer, 2020).

Long days of lectures, commutes or part-time jobs demand physical stamina. Nutrient-rich foods help (NHS Health Scotland, 2023):

  • Stabilise blood sugar, reducing energy crashes.
  • Support immune health, reducing the risk of illness after freshers week!
  • Improve sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation

Perhaps most importantly, university is often the first time students take full control of their own diet. The habits you form now can last into adulthood, influencing your long-term health, risk of chronic disease and relationship with food.

The £20 Breakdown:

Estimated prices based on Lidl UK (2023):

CategoryItem ExamplesApproximate Cost
Grains & CarbsOats (£1.25), Pasta (£0.75), Rice (£1.29), Bread (£0.79), Frozen Jacket potatoes (4-pack-£1.25)£5.33
Protein SourcesBananas (£1), Apples (£1.25), Frozen Veg (£1.65), Tinned Tomatoes (2x £0.40)£4.70
Fruit & Veg6 Eggs (£1.29), Tinned Chickpeas (2x £0.40), Greek Yoghurt (£1.69), Chicken Thighs (500g – £2.49), Minced Beef (500g – £2.79)£9.05
Pantry StaplesPeanut Butter (£1.29), Oil (£1.25), Baked Beans (2x £0.40), Spices (£1)£3.94
Total £22.32

Note: While this slightly exceeds the £20 goal by £2, you can bring it back under budget by:

  • Swapping Greek yoghurt for a cheaper plain yoghurt.
  • Buying smaller meat portions or skipping mince.
  • Dropping optional extras like peanut butter.

Sample 3 – Day Meal Plan

Here’s a realistic, easy-to-cook plan for students:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with banana and peanut butter.

Lunch: Boil pasta and mix with tinned chickpeas and tomatoes. Add garlic or mixed herbs.

Dinner: Pan-fry chicken thighs with oil, garlic and herbs, serve with rice and veg.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016)

Day 2:

Breakfast: Greek yoghurt with chopped apple and cinnamon.

Lunch: Use leftover chicken and rice in a wrap or with bread.

Dinner: Beef mince stir-fry. Cook mince beef with frozen veg and soy sauce or paprika. Serve with rice or pasta.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016b)

Day 3:

Breakfast: Peanut butter toast with banana.

Lunch: Veggie omelette with toast. Just 2 eggs + frozen veg = power lunch.

Dinner: Jacket potato with baked beans and cheese (optional).

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2020)

Best Places to Shop for Students

  • Lidl or Aldi – Budget-friendly staples and meat.
  • Tesco Everyday Value / Asda Smart Price – Affordable store brands.
  • Local Markets – Cheap fruit and veg (especially near closing time).
  • Pound Shops / Home Bargains – Good for spices, kitchen tools or tinned goods.

Tip: Sign up to loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard) for more deals and always bring your own carrier bags!

Save More with Meal Prep & Smart Swaps

Meal Prep Tips:

Plan Ahead: Know what you’re eating before you’re starving.

Batch Cook: Make dinner, save half for lunch the next day.

Freeze Leftovers: Works well with pasta, curry, soup and rice.

Picture Source: (Dreamdecko, 2025).

Ingredient Swaps:

  • Use lentils to bulk out mince.
  • No lentils? Use chickpeas or beans.
  • Alternate meat days with plant-based protein like eggs or beans.
  • Buy cheaper cuts like drumsticks or chicken thighs.

Cooking doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to work for you.

Bonus: Mindful Eating = Better Living

It’s not just about eating cheap – it’s about feeling better. Cooking your own meals:

  • Reduces stress
  • Helps you focus
  • Saves you money
  • Builds confidence

If you can prep a week’s worth of healthy food for £20 now, imagine what you can do with a full-time salary later.

Tip: Try pairing your meals with a short walk, water bottle refills, and decent sleep. Small Changes = Big Wins!

Student Voices

“Meal prepping saved me at least £15 a week compared to eating out! Now I find it easier to save money to spend on things I enjoy”

– Josh, 2nd Year Psychology Student

“I Stopped skipping meals once I knew I had food ready in the fridge. Meal prepping helped me become more organised and less stressed”

– Amelia, Final Year Nursing Student

“I used to skip breakfast to save time and money, but once I started prepping overnight oats, I noticed I had more energy for my 9am lectures”

– Cameron, Third Year Physio Student

Try this £20 Meal Plan This Week!

Want to see how far your food budget can stretch? Try this 3-day plan and tag your creations with #StudentFuelChallenge. Let’s normalise healthy eating on a student budget.

Question for the readers: What’s your go-to cheap and healthy meal at uni? Drop it in the comments below!

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Student recipes | Good Food: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetMeditation and Sleep Made Simple – Headspace: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetSave the Student – Student Money, Discounts and Jobs: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget
Study Tips, Wellbeing

Master Your Studies: Essential Tips for Success at Hull University

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Have you been thinking about studying Business, Marketing, or Digital Marketing at the University of Hull? This blog will give you essential study tips to ensure your success during your studies. Whether you’re just starting your undergraduate journey or coming back for a master’s, this is your one-stop guide on creating positive study habits for success at Hull. Did you know that around 20% of students are distracted while trying to study? (Walck-Shannon, Rowell and Frey, 2021) If this sounds like you, then look no further.. As a second-year marketing student at Hull University, I’m sharing the best study tips that I didn’t know before starting university, so I’m giving them to you to make sure you are ahead of the game.

Why Choose Hull?

Hull offers students excellent academic support through lecturers, the Hubble portal, and the library team. (University of Hull, n.d.). As well as this, the City of Culture 2017 offers affordable living for students while offering a city packed with culture and opportunities. Fun Fact: Hull is ranked the 12th cheapest student city by The Times (Bhardwa, 2017).

  1. Plan Your Study Schedule Early

Uni Life is busy from lectures to assignments to social events and even work, planning is essential to avoid drowning under the pressure of work. A great way to create a schedule is by using planners such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Excel, as these help keep you afloat and under control.

Personal Tip: I break down big assignments into smaller tasks and take regular breaks, as it helps the work feel less daunting and a chore to get started with.

2. Make use of the University’s Study Resources 

The Brymor Jones Library is much more than any old Library, with a dedicated skills team and the social seventh floor as well as all the books you could dream of. But that’s not just it, the Library website has access to dozens of databases to support your studies.

3. Find your Ideal Study Space

Everybody studies differently; it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. What may work for somebody else may not work for you. At the University of Hull and the surrounding areas, there are many different environments to test your perfect study atmosphere.

4. Manage Your Time Like a Pro

I know from experience that uni deadlines come up fast, so you need to develop good time management skills so you can stay ahead of the game. These skills are essential as they can be transferred into careers post graduation.

Recommended methods

Pomodoro Technique- Work for 25 minutes- break for 5- (Learn  more – watch this quick video).

Use apps that lock your phone to keep focus ( Forest).

Set Weekly Goals for work you need to complete.

5.  Work With Your Classmates

As a second-year student, I can tell you that group work is common across all business-based courses. You will need to develop teamwork skills as these are essential to come out with good grades. Here are some opportunities to develop them.

Joins HUBS ( Hull Uni Business Society)

Attend Hull uni HEY! Marketing ran events

Collaborate on assignments and share lecture notes.

Personal Experience: Once you break the ice with your group members, you can end up with a tight-knit group of friends.

6. Look After Your Physical and Mental Health

Academic success comes from more than just studying. Keeping healthy is essential.

The University of Hull has the Allam Sports Centre, which features a state-of-the-art gym and numerous courts to play sports on.

For mental health, practice mindfulness with apps such as Headspace or Calm.

As well as this, Sleep, nutrition, exercise and resting time are just as important as your deadlines.

Personal Tip: If you feel yourself getting stressed out or mentally fatigued from work, go to the gym to let off some steam and feel refreshed.

7. Use Technology to Your Advantage

As a marketing student, I quickly learned how powerful digital tools can be. There are many different tools that you can use, you may not know where to start so I have listed the ones I use the most.

Grammarly– this can help polish your assignments by improving grammar and flow, as well as suggesting different words to use.

Chatgpt- this AI chatbot can help you start your long essays by giving you key ideas that you could develop in your work. As well as this, it can help rewrite parts that don’t make sense or suggest things that could be better.

MyBib– This tool is a reference generator, essential for getting references correct.

Five Useful Apps For Students!

1. Notion– Good for keeping all your notes in one Place- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

2. Simple Mind– Good for organising your Thoughts through mindmaps- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

3. AppBlock– Good for staying focused when you’re trying to study- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

4. Microsoft 365– Good for accessing your work anywhere across multiple devices- Free with uni office accounts(Save the Student, 2024)

5. Google Calendar– Good for planning study schedules- Free

 

Final Thoughts: Success Starts Now!

Studying at the University of Hull is a fantastic opportunity to build not only your specialised skills for your degree, but you will also grow your confidence, independence, and career skills!

Here’s a small infographic summarising some of the tips I have discussed in this blog. Generated by (ChatGPT,2025)

By following my essential guide for surviving university, you will be planning, making use of resources, staying healthy, and using technology, you’ll be ahead of the game and be on track for success in your Business, Marketing or Digital Marketing degree.

Call to Action

Are you a Hull Student or perhaps a student across the UK with your study hack?

Don’t be a gatekeeper- Drop a comment below and share your best tips!

Do you want to swap and learn other people’s study strategies or connect with fellow UK Students? Add me on LinkedIn– Let’s build a network of support.

We Thrive Off Your Feedback

Was this blog helpful? Got a tip I missed and you want to share it?

Please leave a Comment below- your feedback leads to greater quality blogs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trending Now: Affordable 2025 Home Décor for Student Rooms

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Photo by Emily Wang on Unsplash

Have you just walked into a plain, beige and boring room? Your uni room should reflect you and your personality. It should be an inspiring place to be for the next year as you do your assignments and hang with new friends.

We’ve rounded up budget-friendly and renter-friendly trends to help you create a stylish space without losing your deposit!

1. Bold Patterns and Maximalism

Photo by volant on Unsplash

Maximalism is making a massive comeback this year with many people choosing the “more is more” approach to decorating their home. This is a trend that you can truly infuse your personality into. Medium dives into why maximalism and why now here.

How to apply it to your student room:

You can’t drill holes or make permanent changes so you have to be clever with how you make changes to your room. For this specific trend you’ll need:

  • Removable patterned wallpaper

To make it budget friendly only add it to one wall and make it a feature!

This one from Dunelm caught our eye with reviews claiming it’s very easy to remove!

  • Colourful, textured or patterned bedding

Your bedding makes the biggest difference to your room because it’s the biggest part of your room, make it bold!

You can usually find bedding on sale too, this one from Argos is only £12.

  • Artwork

Funky artwork applied with command hooks is where your personality is truly going to come out.

Photo by Nilay Sozbir on Unsplash

You’ll want to head to charity shops to find funky frames and use your library printing credits to print off your fave art, it doesn’t get more budget than that!

2. Biophilic Design

Photo by corey oconnell on Unsplash

You may not have heard of this, it essentially means: bring the outside in. Being inside studying might feel like a drag but the BBC proved that this style can actually make you more productive and happier here.

How to apply it to your student room:

This one looks difficult and expensive! The first question you need to ask yourself is: “Can I keep plants alive?”. This will help you to decide whether to go fake or real! Now onto the shopping list:

  • Potted Plants

If you have the time head to your local tip store, they usually salvage lots of pots that people would have just thrown away.

Then head to Gardening Express for a selection of indoor plants for only £2 each, this is a lucky dip so you don’t know what you’ll be getting but we think it’s worth it for the price!

Looking to go fake? IKEA have great fake potted plants from just £1.

  • Nature Inspired Artwork

Canvases like this from Wilko can bring the outdoors in for only £3.25 each!

  • Use natural materials

Using stone and wood in your décor can really bring in that outdoor feeling.

These wooden tealight holders are a simple example of adding natural materials into your space. These are from The Range , they also have a stone option.

3. Warm Neutrals and Earth Tones

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

Earthy neutrals such as clay, terracotta and sand are a trend that’s not going away according to House Beautiful. This décor is going to make your room feel very warm and cosy.

How to add it to your student room:

This trend is hard to get wrong, as long as your colours are warm, you’re doing it right.

  • Rugs

Getting the right rug adds warmth to your space and makes it feel elevated with little effort!

This rug from H&M Home brings texture, colour and pattern for only £19.99

  • Curtains

Changing your curtains from the boring standard ones to something more elevated and in your style is going to make a huge difference.

Curtains like these from George Home still let in the light and brighten up your space whilst still offering privacy.

  • Bedding

Now that you’ve added texture through your rug and curtains, add a pop of colour with your bedding.

This rusty, terracotta colour from Next is a great simple and affordable option to bring a little colour to your earthy toned uni room.

4. Multifunctional décor

You’re likely to have a small space to decorate whilst you’re a student. Finding pieces that have more than one function is not a moment but a movement according to Studio Budworth.

Photo by JP Lockwood on Unsplash

How to add it to your student room:

Furniture that can help you to easily transition from work to socialising, to relaxing will make you feel like you’re living in a home rather than a room.

  • Foldable furniture

Folding chairs, tables, clothes airers and treadmills can be found at Argos for a great price. This makes it easy to use your space for multiple purposes and fold it all away when you’re done!

  • Utilise your wall space rather than floor space

Pegboards are a great way to store items that would usually clog up your desk space. These pegboards from IKEA have tons of storage options for the board so you can personalise it to your items.

  • Optimise storage

You’ll often find that you have too much stuff and nowhere to put it. You’ll also discover that when mates come to visit you quickly run out of seating. These storage seats from IKEA are the solution to both problems. Plus, they’re only £15!

5. Tech-Integrated Comfort

Photo by Jack B on Unsplash

Smart homes are becoming “the future of living” according to this Mintel report. With everything being automated or controlled by a remote.

How to add it to your student room:

With smart tech becoming more affordable it’s the perfect time to experiment and make your uni bedroom work for you!

  • Smart LED Light Strips

You’ll be spending so much time in your room, having mood lighting will make a huge impact on how your room looks and feels. These strips from IKEA are only £5 but you could spend more for colour changing options.

  • USB Desk Fans or Lamps

A lamp that you can move around without having to unplug and plug in, yes please! This one from Argos is the perfect stylish solution!

  • Bluetooth Speakers

When you need background music or a housemate dance break, you’ll be glad you got your Bluetooth speaker! The one pictured is from Wilko

Which trend would you try first? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your room makeover pics!

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5 Fun Ways to Get Fit Without a Gym

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Whilst a gym is a great place to work out, it’s not always the easiest or cheapest option for everyone. However, when it comes to exercising from home, it can be almost impossible to motivate yourself. At Exercise.co.uk, we believe that being creative whilst getting fit is a key factor in inspiring you to keep working out.

So we will be looking at these 5 fun ways to get fit without a gym!

Want to skip ahead? Jump to the specific part below:

  1. Skipping
  2. Hula Hooping
  3. Dancing
  4. Trampolining
  5. Try a Sport

Skipping

Skipping is a fun and straightforward exercise that comes with numerous benefits. It is a great way to get into home workouts and is easily personalised to what you need. Skipping allows you to set the pace and work at your own level, but will also become easier with practise. Eventually, once it is part of your routine, you can begin to change speeds, include tricks, and even make fun routines to your favourite workout songs. If you are looking for a tougher workout, be sure to purchase a weighted skipping rope for a more intense burn.

It is not only fun to skip rope, but it also comes with many health benefits. Skipping can burn as many as 1,600 calories in just an hour and is a great alternative to running or jogging. It is also categorised as a cardio exercise which includes a great number of advantages such as heart and lung health.

For more information on cardio exercise, check out our article The Benefits of Cardio Exercise.

Hula Hooping

Hula hooping is another fun and easy exercise that can be done from home. Not only does it help burn calories, this exercise focuses on the core muscles, resulting in less abdominal fat and a toned stomach. It’s a great way to not only stay fit, but also includes other benefits such as a healthier heart and lungs, improves balance and helps the immune system.

However, hula hooping is not just about the health benefits. With some upbeat music on, it can be easy to complete a fun workout  that incorporates creative routines and changes of pace.

In order to get the full effect on how fun hula hooping can be, it’s important to make sure you have the right music playing, so be sure to check out our article on How to Make the Best Exercise Playlist. 

Dancing

Dancing is one of the most fun ways to stay healthy. To incorporate it into your routine does not necessarily mean you need to join a dance class, unless, of course, you want to. However, with new interactive apps and websites it is now easy to get the most out of dancing!

YouTube has a variety of guided dance workouts available, therefore if there is anything specific in mind you wish to incorporate, for example, a favourite musician or album you like to workout to, there is a strong chance there is a video perfect for you. To search for some fun dance videos be sure to include key phrases such as:

  • 20 min dance workout
  • Dance workout for beginners 
  • Dance workout full body no equipment

If you are not a fan of YouTube, there are many apps that provide a visual guided workout experience. Whilst not all fitness apps include dance routines, many still incorporate fun workouts and can be very beneficial when trying to stay fit without a gym. 

If you would like to see our favourite exercise apps, make sure to check our list of Fitness Apps That Can Make Exercising at Home Easier.

Trampolining

Trampolining is a great and easy way to stay fit and with an indoor trampoline, this can be achieved at home. It can quickly get your pulse racing and is great for those just beginning their workout journey without a gym.

Working out on a trampoline focuses on your leg muscles however, different moves can be incorporated into your workout to make sure the full body receives attention. An indoor trampoline also includes the ability to start with low impact exercises so you can warm up to a high intensity workout. You can get started and see the progress for yourself with our Marcy Fitness Trampoline here.

For a more guided tutorial on how to use an indoor trampoline, check out our 5 Exercises You Can Do On a Trampoline to get the most out of your workout.  

 

Try a Sport

If you struggle to motivate yourself, finding a sport you enjoy is a great way to stay on track, especially if you are a competitive person.  Playing a sport helps you commit to a fitness routine and makes sure you get your active hours in during the week. However, sport is also beneficial because you can get fit and stay healthy whilst having an invested interest in something more than just losing weight.

If you are nervous about starting a new sport, make sure to bring a friend to play with or join a team. As long as you are staying active and having fun, it does not matter if you are particularly talented at the sport or not. 

If you are unsure on which sport might be for you, then check out our information on boxing. As an individual sport its great for building strength and staying fit so be sure to read our Boxing Techniques for Beginners and check out our boxing equipment here.

So…

If your workout routine needs some refreshment, or perhaps the gym isn’t for you, then these 5 fun ways to get fit without a gym is a great place to begin. Enjoying your workout is vital for staying motivated, so if you lack the commitment be sure to invest in these fun exercises. 

Before beginning your exercise journey, please be sure to consult your doctor and always be safe when using equipment.

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Keeping Fit and Healthy as a Busy Student on a Budget

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Being a student it can be hard to get into a routine of healthy exercise, even more so when balancing University work alongside. A look online will bring up a wide range of articles and fitness classes to read and take part in. In this blog I want to offer some guidance as to how you can keep fit and healthy as a busy student on a budget.

My housemates have been trying to get me participating in workouts with them however, I have always had the same feelings when asked. There has always been a high financial commitment attached to joining the gym which has always been off putting for me. Even with the more competitive price of the University gym, I still find the gym as too high of a financial commitment. However, the gym is not the only place to effectively participate in a work out, there are many low cost options of staying fit and healthy that can be considered.

With the introduction of lock down last year I soon found myself looking for ways that I could stay active during those times. Home workouts soon found themselves established into my daily routines. Here are a few of the best ways that I have found to start your health and fitness routine!

Stay Hydrated

Glass of Water by Manu Schwendener on Unsplash

Staying hydrated is an extremely important way of keeping healthy. The NHS recommends that we drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.  The easiest way to do this is to just simply have a glass of water with you whilst you’re studying. I have found this to be an extremely easy way of keeping healthy whilst I am at University. If you are not a fan of water on it’s own you can always add no sugar fruit juice or even a slice of lemon.

Water can also be useful in other areas of fitness such as being used in weight loss treatments, more information can be found here.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Keeping a healthy diet has just as much of an impact on your body as exercise can. If you are exercising you need to maintain a healthy diet otherwise all the hard work being put in is being wasted with a poor diet. Here is a link to an article where there is more information about how eating a balanced diet complements exercise.

When looking to change my diet, I found that one of my favorite ways of satisfying my hunger was through snacking. Everyone loves a snack, I probably love them a bit too much if I am being completely honest. To incorporate more of a balanced diet into my lifestyle, I have tried to start swapping out my snacks for a piece of fruit instead.

It is also important for you to eat properly before and after a workout. Here is a short blog on what you should eat before and after a workout. I would recommend giving this a read before attempting any workouts to ensure that training is effective.

Head Out For a Walk

Walking by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for keeping fit and healthy as a student. Going out for a quick walk has been one of the best ways I have used to stay fit and healthy as a student. A full walking routine does not even have to be implemented into your day, simply walking to the shops instead of driving has the potential for huge benefits to your well being.

I have personally seen improvements to my mood since walking to the shops rather than driving. Being out in open space for a small amount of time is a nice change of scenery which has been a real boost for my mental health. More information on walking and mental health can be found here.  There are other perks of walking too as you get to discover the local area, opening up potential to find new walking routes to try out in the future.

Do not worry if you do not get the chance to go out for a walk. In the next section we are going to look as home workouts as an alternative way to keeping fit and healthy.

Home workouts

Home workouts are another great way that you can stay fit and healthy in your own time. There are an abundance of products that you can try with various workouts that can be used in conjunction with the products. As this blog is more focused on sticking to a budget, products suggested will have multiple uses to maximize the costs of the products.

  • Resistance Bands are a cheap and versatile way of easing into home workouts. Prices start at £15.99 with different prices being found dependent on the resistance of the band. The bands can be used for a full-body workout which I will link here.
  • Dumbbells are another low cost way to start home workouts. Prices start at £13.75 for 2 x 1 kg Dumbbells with prices increasing as the weight increases. Dumbbells can be used for any level too so whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced gym goer, an effective workout can be achieved with dumbbells. I will link a 6 week beginners dumbbell workout here and I will link an arm and upper body workout here.

Dumbbells and Resistance Bands by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

So, here are some really easy and simple ways you can begin to get yourself into a really good healthy routine. Sticking to the new routine will be hard at first, but stick at it! The benefits in the long run are worth it over the initial breaking into the new routine period and you will begin to feel so much better.