How to Stay Warm This Winter Without Cranking Up the Heating

Winter in Brighton can be beautiful, but it can also be expensive, especially when you’re trying to balance rent, bills, and the “occasional” night out on a student budget. If you’re looking for ways to stay cosy without watching your energy bill climb, there are plenty of simple and affordable tricks that can help you keep warm this winter.

Layer Up Like a Pro

It sounds obvious, but wearing multiple thin layers is often more effective than one thick jumper. Start with a base layer, add a t-shirt or long-sleeve top, then finish with a hoodie or fleece. Don’t forget warm socks, as cold feet can make your whole body feel chilly.

If you’re studying at home, keeping a blanket nearby can make a huge difference, especially during long revision sessions.

Make the Most of Warm Drinks

A hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate isn’t just comforting. Holding a warm drink can help raise your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable without needing to turn up the thermostat.

Why not make an evening hot chocolate part of your winter routine? It’s a much cheaper habit than heating an entire room for hours.

Keep Warm Where You Are

Instead of trying to heat your whole house, focus on keeping yourself warm. A hot water bottle costs just a few pence to fill and can stay warm for hours. Heated blankets can also be surprisingly economical to run compared to central heating.

Whether you’re binge-watching a new series or catching up on coursework, staying wrapped up can help you avoid reaching for the radiator controls.

Block Out Draughts

UK houses aren’t always known for their exceptional energy efficiency. If cold air is sneaking in under doors or through window gaps, use a rolled-up towel or a simple draught excluder to block it.

Closing curtains as soon as it gets dark can also help keep heat inside and prevent colder air from affecting the room.

Stay Active

One of the quickest ways to warm up is simply to move around. A short walk, a trip to the gym, or even a quick room tidy can get your blood flowing and help raise your body temperature naturally.

Plus, it’s a great excuse to take a break from your studies…

Cook More Meals at Home

Using the oven not only gives you a hot meal but can also help warm up your kitchen and living space. Batch cooking with housemates is a great way to save money while creating a warmer, more sociable atmosphere during the colder months.

Gather Together

If your housemates are spending time in different rooms, everyone is heating separate spaces. Studying, watching films, or having dinner together in a shared room can make a space feel warmer and more comfortable, while keeping energy use lower by only heating one space.

Looking Ahead: Consider an All Bills Included Home

If rising energy costs are causing you stress, it might be worth thinking about your housing options for next year. Choosing an all bills included option means your heating, electricity, water and internet are covered in a single payment.

That means when temperatures drop, you can turn the heating on without constantly worrying about how much it will add to next month’s bills. It’s one less thing to think about during exams, deadlines, and everything else student life throws your way.

At Coapt, many of our student properties come with all bills included packages, helping you stay warm, comfortable, and in control of your budget throughout the year.

Looking for next year’s student home? Explore our all bills included properties and enjoy a warmer, worry-free winter.