Unpaid internships – how to financially support yourself

Worried about how to make ends meet during an unpaid internship? Here are some money-saving tips to help you.

Credit: (left) Stoatphoto, (right) Mentatdgt Shutterstock

As much as we think they should be banned, unpaid internships and work placements are unfortunately still around. And, for many, they can be the only foot in the door of a competitive industry.

If you are faced with the prospect of an unpaid internship, you should know your rights. Although not all unpaid internships are illegal, in some cases they are. This includes if you have a contract for future work.

However, if your unpaid internship is legal, and you think it's the right choice for you, here are a few money-saving tips to help you get through it without draining your bank account.

Surviving an unpaid internship

Here are our tips on how to afford an unpaid internship:

1. Negotiate basic expenses

   Make sure you ask at your interview about any payment or expenses. In some cases, companies will be more than happy to cover your travel and lunch expenses. However, this is might only be the case if you take the initiative to ask about it.

   With that in mind, don't be afraid to explain your situation to them. If you need to travel a long way to make it or stay in expensive accommodation, they might be able to make an exception and bump up your expenses. It's worth a shot!

   Also, try asking about expenses again at the end of your placement. We know it's not exactly fair, but if you've worked hard and impressed them, they might be willing to offer you more.

   It's also worth trying to negotiate your working hours. This could allow you to manage a part-time job on the side.

   Or, even if you're not able to get a part-time job alongside the internship, you could ask for flexible hours around peak transport times. Travel will be less stressful at quiet hours and a lot cheaper.

2. Stay with friends or in cheap accommodation

   If your internship is near your home or uni accommodation, figuring out where to stay won't be an issue. But if you're having to travel for your internship, this will likely be your biggest expense. Get it sorted out ASAP.

   First, see if there's a relative or friend you could stay with. Even if you can't think of anybody suitable, perhaps post an Instagram story to see if you get any responses from people you know. You might even find there's a friend of a friend with a spare bed.

   If you do end up going for private accommodation, hunt around for the best deal. You could try hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and whatever else you can find.

   If you're interning over the summer, see if any local universities rent out their student halls during the holidays. These can be cheaper and just as nice as a hotel.

3. Book travel in advance

   

   Credit: Alan Parkinson - Flickr

   If your employer has agreed to cover travel costs, you won't need to worry about this too much. But, if not, book tickets early to keep costs low.

   If you're travelling by train, a 16–25 Railcard can save you money, and check ticket-splitting sites for extra opportunities to save.

   Our complete guide to getting cheap train tickets has even more tips. And don't forget to claim compensation for delays.

   If you're commuting every day, add up the total travel costs for the week and factor them into your budget. Check for alternative options like cycling, walking or car-sharing (a great way to save money while driving) to avoid overspending.

   If you do have to get public transport every day, look for bus passes or season tickets. It could work out cheaper in the long run.

4. Keep food costs low by bringing lunch to work

   Planning your meals for the week can make a huge difference.

   Lunch gets pretty expensive if you're splashing out on a meal deal or fancy a panini each day. You could try these delicious but cheap sandwich ideas instead.

   That being said, if there's an opportunity for work lunches, go for it! These will usually be paid for by the company (check first!) and are a great way to build relationships with your colleagues while getting free food.

   You can also ask your colleagues if they know of any cheap places to eat nearby. They might know a hidden gem of a coffee shop or a cheap sandwich place that could otherwise take you weeks to discover on your own.

   And don't forget to check apps like Too Good To Go to see if any shops or eating places in the area are selling cheap food.

5. Buy budget work clothes and shop in charity shops

   

   Another expense of being an unpaid intern is the work wardrobe. It can be pricey if you don't know where to look.

   First of all, check the dress code. Will everyone be in corporate suits or dressed more casually? There's no point in investing in super-smart gear if it's not needed.

   When you head shopping, you could try places like:

   • Primark
   • George at ASDA
   • ASOS.

   To avoid buying clothes that you're unlikely to rewear often, look into renting clothes.

   You can also use apps like Vinted and Depop to buy second-hand clothes.

   There's no harm in checking out local charity shops too. They tend to have great deals.

   For more tips, see our guide to dressing for work on a budget (it includes suggestions of what to wear for different dress codes).

6. Get your money's worth

   An unpaid internship can be a serious investment of your time and money. Make sure you're getting as much out of the experience as possible.

   Once you're there, it's all about networking. Talk to lots of people, take in their advice and work hard to make a good impression on the team.

   Just think, if you get offered your first graduate job at the end of the internship, you can start smoothing out that dent in your student bank account. If you're enthusiastic and give 100%, it really could pay off in the end.

There are some great alternatives to internships if you don't think it's the right step for you.