Student Hut Recommended 2022
Look, we know this whole ‘living alone’ thing can be tough, especially when it comes to the boring stuff - insurance, banking, finances, etc etc.
So we wanna make things a bit easier for you. Here are the brands and companies that the Student Hut community recommends when it comes to important adult stuff, plus some more fun recommendations as well, because life is about balance after all…
Top Financial Tools for 2022
1. Splitwise
A great app for helping friends or housemates figure out how much they owe each other. Easily keep track of expenses incurred or amounts due for bills and pay people back exact percentages of the sum.
2. Plum
Plum offers many services with the aim of helping you better build your savings.
Link your bank account to the app and it will track your spending and put away small amounts of savings automatically.
3. Emma
This money management app connects all your accounts. From there you can keep track of any subscriptions, cancelling any you don't use. It also helps you to sync your expenses with your payday and avoid costly overdrafts.
Top Banks for 2022
1. Santander 1|2|3 Student
Being a student comes with its fair share of train travel; whether that’s going home to see the parents, or visiting friends at other unis. Santander’s 1|2|3 student account comes with a free 16-25 railcard, saving a third on all fares.
No wonder students think they're the best in class for banking in 2022!
2. Monzo
This popular online bank is ideal for students and travellers alike.
Monzo’s coral red card could be perfect for you with an easy-to-use app interface and no international transaction charges.
3. HSBC Student Account
HSBC’s banking app is pretty much tailor-made for students, as reflected by their spot in the rankings.
It allows you to pay your mates at the tap of a button, making those restaurant bills and taxi fares even easier to split.
Top Insurance Providers for 2022
1. Admiral
Admiral looks after thousands of students across the country with their comprehensive home insurance packages.
As well as your room, their insurance also covers communal spaces, making them the ideal provider for first years.
2. Endsleigh
The Insurance Choice Awards voted them the 'Best Student Insurance Provider' at the ICAs 2019, so they must be good.
With packages starting at less than £2 per month, Endsleigh comes highly recommended.
3. Barclays Home Insurance
Barclays Home Insurance shows they’re more than just a bank. They’ll cover you for everything inside, as well as for the stuff in your garden. And if that’s not enough, they’re chucking in free shopping vouchers for new customers.
Top European Cities for 2022
1. Paris
Whether it's a romantic getaway or a break with your mates, Paris is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Top tip: climb to the top of the hill in Montmartre for the most stunning view ever.
2. Barcelona
You'll never run out of things to do in Barcelona. The Catalan capital features eclectic nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and street entertainment for the city slickers, while Barca's sandy coastline and Gaudi parks will appeal to the beach loungers and nature lovers.
3. Amsterdam
The Dutch capital is popular with everyone who visits.
The laid-back local culture and wealth of parks, museums, bars, and more make this a place everyone should come and check out at least once.
Top Job Boards for 2022
1. Indeed
Indeed provides comprehensive job-seeking tools across all industries and levels of qualification. They aim to put job-seekers first, providing a free platform for them to upload their CV and find employment.
2. GradTouch
This graduate job board provides a robust overview of the companies it advertises. Potential applicants can then see if this company is right for them and learn how best to apply for the position.
3. Target Jobs
Exploring aspects of potential career paths can help you decide what you want to do once you finish your studies. TargetJobs has information for students at any point in their university education, including where to find courses to develop career prospects.
Top Meal Kits for 2022
1. HelloFresh
According to HelloFresh, their meal kits offset 100% of the carbon they produce.
You can often find them sponsoring YouTubers, offering discount codes to apply to your first orders. With no commitment period, you can cancel your kit deliveries at any time.
2. Gousto
Gousto offers an incredible 60% off your first box, as well as free delivery. Sustainable packaging and plastic-free insulation keeps the food fresh on its way to you.
If that's not enough to convince you, they sometimes send surprise gifts too!
3. Simply Cook
Simply Cook is a meal kit provider worthy of any budding student chef.
In a letterbox-sized package, you'll receive spice mixes and other components to combine with ingredients from your cupboard. A free first box makes this an offer too good to refuse.
Top Wellbeing Apps for 2022
1. Headspace
Proven results, simple graphics, and science-backed techniques form the backbone of this mindfulness app. If you agree to pay the affordable annual rate, you'll be given access to a two-week free trial.
2. Calm
Calm has a wide variety of self-improvement topics, ranging from walking meditation to non-judgement to mindfulness. The app includes sleep stories to help you drift off and is free to use, with the possibility to pay for extra features.
3. Insight Timer
Another free meditation app which, according to their page on Google Play Store, hosts the largest library of guided meditations. The app hosts meditation teachers from around the globe, allowing for a culturally relevant experience for the user.
Top UK Cities for 2022
1. London
Thanks to the sheer volume of things to do, The Big Smoke is still the number one destination for students. With 18 different universities based all over the city, you're bound to make friends here wherever you end up.
2. Manchester
Manchester is a wonderful city to study in. There's plenty to do in town during the day, with vibrant neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter teeming with action. Thanks to powerhouse venues like The Warehouse Project, the evenings more than pull their weight too.
3. Birmingham
The UK's second city is home to five different universities, making it a favourite for students from all academic backgrounds. If you head into Brum for a night out, it won't disappoint.
Top Food Delivery Services for 2022
1. Uber Eats
Keep an eye out for student discounts with Uber Eats; your institution may have codes to get you money off your next order. Regardless of the student deals, they always have delicious options for food delivered to your door.
2. Just Eat
One of the longest-running online delivery services, Just Eat hosts loads of your favourite restaurants and fast-food establishments.
Their slogan of "Don't cook, just eat" is particularly tempting after a hard day studying.
3. Deliveroo
With offers for new customers and occasional student promotions, this is another app that may have given your university voucher codes.
Find out what delicious delivery options are available in your area.
Top Dating Apps for 2022
1. Tinder
A straightforward dating app that's easy to get the hang of. Swipe right for people you're interested in and swipe left if you don't think it will work out.
If both of you swipe right, you can start chatting. Perfect if you like a simple approach to dating.
2. Bumble
Bumble was the first dating app to allow women to make the first move, bypassing conventional gender norms.
The app prioritises kindness and fosters respect. Bumble also offers more than just dating, with Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF.
3. Hinge
Based on the premise of effective dating, Hinge uses a Nobel-prize-winning algorithm to match you with potential partners.
Hinge's voice notes feature also provides an entertaining way to find out more about the person you're interested in.