Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy England vs Wales as a Student

The rugby match between England and Wales is one of the most highly-anticipated sporting events in the UK, with fans travelling from all over the UK to attend. For students, particularly those who live out of home, it poses a different question: how can you consume the match day experience (enjoy the ambience) whilst spending as little money as possible?

Whether you are in student accommodation in Bristol or travelling there from elsewhere, there are clever and careful ways to experience the excitement of the England v Wales game, without breaking the bank. 

For students living in student accommodation in Cardiff, Bristol, or elsewhere in the UK, it is COVID safe and a good idea to combine the excitement of a match day experience with the social experience going on in the dorms, flats, or properties.

Whether you want to watch the match live in the stadium, watch with friends in a local pub, or stay safe in your flat, there are a little different ways to make the long anticipated experience enjoyable, safe, and affordable. This article aims to assist students with realistic  suggestions to help enjoy the England vs Wales match this season on a budget.

Planning Ahead: How Students Can Save

When you make an effort to budget for the matches between England and Wales, certainly you will be guiding your anticipation by planning ahead. An issue commonly faced by students are the costs associated with match tickets, travelling to the match and food and drink has an impact on finances. Planning well in advance will likely limit costs and maximize the experience. 

• Ticket Plans: For an event at a stadium, look into student discounts or check to see if there are any fan trips being organized by your university. many clubs offer limited edition pricing for students, especially if you are in the group (often lower than individual ticket price). 
• Travel Options: Consider using a coach service, using the train with your student railcard or car-pooling in a car with friends. Making last minute travel plans tends to be an expensive last resort. 
• Timing of Matches: If the cost of attending the match live and in person, consider watching the match in a local pub, glance of the large screen at a university hall or attending a local sports club, these option usually tend to be more communal and affordable way to take part. 

Students outside their home country or students new to the UK, will benefit from learning the local transport and ticketing systems when learning how to save money all while keeping themselves safe.

Watching the Match Live: Stadium Experience

Going to a match is a thrilling part of the rugby fan experience but students should be wary of the cost. Specifically, tickets for England vs Wales matches can add up quickly. However, there are ways to mitigate the cost.

• Student Discounts: There are many official ticket suppliers that offer student prices or package deals. Look on the club's formal website or check out your university sports societies for options available.
• University Group Trips: Some universities plan trips to matches and include transport and tickets at a reduced rate for students. This is a way to be immersed in the match day experience without incurring the full costs as an individual.
• Be Practical on Costs: Only bring the bare essentials with you, consider reusable water containers and avoid buying/removing food from the stadium. Take snacks and maybe a meal to cut down on costs.

Being able to attend matches in a stadium is a once in a life time opportunity and allows a student to embrace the live atmosphere, singing, and camaraderie, which is truly one of the experiences as students.

Budget-Friendly Pubs and Cafés

Not all students will be able to make their way to the stadium and that's perfectly okay. Pubs and cafes will make excellent and inexpensive alternatives to going to the game in person, all while providing a lively experience for fans to watch England vs Wales. 

• Student pubs: Look for pubs near your university or city centre that shows live broadcasts of rugby matches. Many pubs and bars will also offer special student discounts on food and drinks.
• Community Hubs: Bars in cities with universities, like Bristol and Cardiff, will often have special match day deals and atmosphere with local fans at a very affordable price without the expensive tickets that accompany more famous teams.
• Friends/Viewing parties: Having friends over to watch the game in your student accommodation in Bristol or common room is a super affordable way for students to experience the match while enjoying each other's company and cheering for England vs Wales.

Viewing the match with friends only adds an extra layer of excitement and provides an additional sustainable option and a way of enjoying England vs Wales on a budget.

Streaming and Digital Options

For some students who would rather stay in or don't have access to a stadium or pub to watch the match live, streaming the match is a practical alternative. Online platforms provide informative updates, and often high-quality streams of the action live: 

• BBC Sport: Provides live streaming to some matches along with live updates on scores in the game.
• Official Club Apps: Some of the clubs have app features to stream the game, or provide highlights for students at a reduced cost.
• Group Viewing: Students can combine streaming with a smaller group viewing in their apartments, and share the costs for snacks, drinks and internet services.

This approach is especially relevant for international students trying to adjust their scheduling for events in the UK, or even same students who live in hard to reach areas.

Transportation Tips for Students

It is important for traveling to stadiums, public houses, or viewing events to be cheap and efficient. Students should consider:

• Railcards: The 16–25 Railcard provides up to a 1/3 discount on train fares which could be ideal if you are traveling to a match venue.
• Public Transport: Use public transport, such as buses and trams, as an alternative to taxi cabs when possible. For instance, most universities in Manchester, Cardiff, and Bristol are linked via an excellent transport network.
• Walking & Cycling: Ultimately, if you are able to, walk, cycle, or use a city bike scheme if it is close to the venue. This will save you money and the stress of travel.

At the very least, honoring all forms of transportation with the goal of not having to buy an increased fare as a last resort, delays, and an overloaded transport system as a travel option on match day is ideal for students.

Food and Drink: Keeping it Affordable

Becoming hungry at a stadium or local pub can lead to a quick bill accumulation about food and drinks. To help students save money, here are few helpful hints: 

• Meals Pre-Match: If possible, eat prior to going to a venue to avoid the need to purchase expensive food at the stadium.
• Deals as a Student: Visit local pubs and cafés to see if they offer student deals or meal package deals. 
• Share Costs: Bring some snacks, or split the costs (with roommates or friends) if you are hosting a viewing in their student accommodation in Bristol. 

By weighing some of the costs and ensuring a reasonable experience, students can enjoy some of the match without excessive worry about costs.

Social Experiences and Networking

Observing England vs Wales is not only about sport; it is about creating relationships among students. 

• University Societies: A way for a student to enjoy a match collectively is to join rugby / sport societies, which usually have student rates for matches. 
• Local Fan Groups: A lot of cities have student focused fan groups that organize meetups for watching matches together.
• International Students: For many international students, finding a English match to watch together provides one way to meet other students and be part of the local rugby culture. 

Being part of social viewing events increase the student experience, making the match enjoyable experience beyond the result.

Safety Tips for Match Day

As students are watching England vs Wales, keep safety in mind, such as: 

• Plan Early Travel: Trying to avoid overcrowded trains and buses. 
• Hang Out with Friends: Particularly when it becomes late-night rugby at the pub or a later match at the stadium. 
• Keep Possessions Off the Streets: When students and their friends go out, someone in the group should be responsible for the backpack, wallet, and phones to help keep the evening from running too smoothly. 
• Know the Event Rules: Events at stadiums and pubs will have levels of rules for bags, ID to be admitted, and prohibited items. 

There is a trade-off with safety and risk, which should dictate students' decisions to meet with friends and enjoy the match. 

Making the Experience Memorable

Students can create an enjoyable experience of England vs Wales, even on a budget:

• Themed Events: Have a mini-matchday event with your friends at your accommodation.
• Souvenirs: Purchase smaller, less expensive collectible items, like pins or scarves, rather than typical merchandise from large vendors.
• Post-match activity: Stay out for a while longer and check out some of the attractions or have dinner at a student-friendly location.

Taking affordability a step further by planning accordingly, will allow the student to have the full experience of the match without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Experience England versus Wales without spending your weekly budget! Students can fully immerse themselves in the match, live in stadiums, in pubs or in student housing in Bristol, simply by planning, taking advantage of student discounts and sharing experiences with other students. Whether you are attending public transport to/from Bristol.

Something for food and drink on the day and socialising with friends, or if you're planning to watch the game at home or in a bar or pub rented for the match, this budget-friendly guide will help any student get to experience the excitement, atmosphere and camaraderie of match day without stressing about either take out or a hefty credit card statement!