Tuesday 14-01-2025 - 14:26

 

 

Winter can be tough, especially with the rising cost of living and soaring energy bills. At LUSU, we know many students are feeling the strain—70% are cutting back on heating to save money, and over half are dealing with damp or mould in their homes.

 

To help you stay warm and comfortable while keeping costs down and staying eco-conscious, we’ve put together five practical tips:
 
1. Maximise Your Heating Efficiency
Make the most of the heat you have with these easy steps:
·      No heating and cooling at the same time: Keep windows closed when the heating is on to avoid wasting energy.
·      Set the thermostat smartly: Stick to a cozy 18-21°C, the ideal range for both comfort and efficiency (as recommended by the World Health Organization).
·      Seal drafts: Stop warm air escaping by sealing gaps around doors and windows. If you can’t get draft excluders from your landlord, a rolled-up towel works in a pinch.
·      Use your curtains wisely: Let sunlight warm your room during the day, and close curtains at dusk to trap the heat.
 
2. Layer Up and Stay Cozy Without Turning Up the Heat
Sometimes staying warm starts with what you wear and do:
·      Thermal layers on a budget: Look for affordable thermal clothing or blankets second-hand or on community sharing platforms like Olio.
·      Hot drinks on hand: A mug of tea or coffee can warm you up from the inside out.
·      Keep feet warm: Cold feet can make your whole body feel colder—thick socks or slippers are a game-changer.
 
3. Be Smart About Energy Usage
Small tweaks in your daily habits can make a big difference:
·      Track your usage: A smart meter can help you understand where you’re using the most energy and how to cut back.
·      Switch off standby: Unplug devices when they’re not in use to stop them from drawing unnecessary power.
·      Use LED bulbs: These energy-efficient lights last longer and consume far less electricity than traditional bulbs.
 
4. Save on Laundry and Water
Laundry and water use can add up fast, so try these cost-saving ideas:
·      Air-dry your clothes: Skip the tumble dryer and let clothes dry naturally in a ventilated space or outdoors.
·      Keep showers short: Aim for four minutes and turn off the water while shampooing or conditioning.
 
5. Be Proactive with Your Housing
Stay on top of your accommodation setup to avoid unnecessary issues:
·      Understand your contract: If your rent includes bills, check the fair usage terms to avoid unexpected charges.
·      Prevent frozen pipes: When you’re away, keep your heating on low to stop pipes from freezing.
·      Address problems early: Report damp or mould to your landlord quickly—these issues not only affect your health but also make heating less effective.
 
We hope these tips help you stay comfortable and stress-free this winter. If you need advice or support, we’re here for you 💜.

Reach out to us at lusuadvice@lancaster.ac.uk.