Be kind to your wallet, and the environment
Life as a student can feel expensive, but there are ways to save money on buying the things you want. Many of them also reduce your carbon footprint, so it’s a win-win.
Buying and selling items
Online
There are bargains to be had online on everything from clothes to cupboards. You’ll usually have to take into account the cost of postage, but you’ll be able to find the widest. Set up app search alerts to be the first to know when what you’re looking for
One of the most popular online platforms for buying and selling clothes and accessories - but plenty of other household items are also sold here. Postage is extremely cheap, especially if you’re able to collect from parcel points at shops. And sellers often offer bundles with discounts.
Specialising in streetwear, Depop is a good opportunity to score amazing deals on designer brands and get inspiration for your wardrobe. Buy and sell with other like minded individuals globally.
Buy and sell all sorts of household items, or you could get lucky and score them for free! Contact sellers near you to find just about anything you need - clothes, furniture and more!
Ebay has nearly every item under the sun, often for an excellent price. You can set up your own account to sell items to others too, and the auction function means popular items can earn you a good amount.
In person
If you want to check out an item in person, or save on postage, local second hand shops are usually very affordable.
There are many charity shops in Portsmouth selling a variety of second hand items, including clothes, books, and decor. Some shops specialise in things such as furniture, such as:
- DEBRA, 51-55 Elm Grove, Southsea
- British Heart Foundation, 11-15 Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1NB
- Sue Ryder, Unit 8A, The Pompey Centre, PO4 8FD
To get around the city, check out our local second hand bike shops, such as Portsmouth Cycle Exchange, which sell quality second hand bikes, and also offer repairs.
Repair or borrow
Depending on what you’re looking for, you might not even have to buy it.
Portsmouth’s Repair Cafe is located in Cascades, and offers on-site experts to help you give your old clothes and furniture new life.
Or if you’re after an appliance or product for a one-off or short term use, why not look into borrowing from the Library of Things to get what you need?