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Living luxe for less: The cost-of-living saves you must try

Laura Dare by Laura Dare
July 2, 2025
in Community, Education, Lifestyle
Living luxe for less: The cost-of-living saves you must try
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Pampering massages, chic haircuts and fine dining for under $30? Here are the budget secrets every savvy South Aussie should know.

Bills piling up and inflation squeezing your wallet? Same. But we’ve got your back with a savvy solution: student-run services from TAFE SA, UniSA, Flinders Uni, and the Uni of Adelaide. 

These affordable, quality offerings not only save you cash but also help train the next generation of professionals.

Wondering if student services really stack up? Regular clients and students agree they absolutely do.

Rebeka, who is in her final year of TAFE SA’s Diploma of Beauty Therapy.

What the clients and students say

Yes, you might need to be a little more patient – but Lisa, who’s been a regular client at the TAFE SA Adelaide Beauty Salon for two years, says it’s totally worth it: “I tell other people to come here and they say ‘oh no, not students!’ but I tell them they do a really good job. And because they’re learning, it’s so affordable.”

One of Lisa’s therapists, Rebeka, is a final-year student in TAFE SA’s Diploma of Beauty Therapy program. She says budget-conscious young people shouldn’t hesitate to try TAFE SA – students use the same premium products found in Adelaide’s luxury day spas that typically cost hundreds more. 

With thorough training and professional supervision, treatments remain high quality but affordable. And at just $24 for an hour-long aromatherapy massage, it’s easy to unwind without stressing about the price.

Hamish, who’s studying a TAFE SA Certificate III in Barbering, agrees that client interaction is key: “Getting a haircut here helps everyone learn and build their character. Speaking to the clients and learning how to cut real people’s hair – it’s helping create our professionalism”.

Here’s your guide to saving with student services.

Hamish, who’s studying a TAFE SA Certificate III in Barbering.

Hairdressing: Cut costs, not style

Fancy a fresh trim for less than the price of lunch? Get a haircut from a supervised student from just $13.20, or a barber cut for $7.80, at TAFE SA’s Hairdressing Salons. Students can enjoy an additional 25% discount by presenting their student ID. 

Beauty Therapy: Spa-level pampering, budget-friendly prices

Relax with a full facial for $23.90, or a combined mani and pedi for just $17.40. Other services at TAFE SA’s Beauty Salons include waxing, tanning, tinting and makeup, all delivered using high-end products under professional supervision. 

Dining: Affordable fine dining experiences

This is a seriously awesome saving: TAFE SA’s Regency Campus training restaurants serves delicious meals for less than your Uber Eats sushi order. Enjoy top-tier dishes made by supervised culinary students, with mains well under $30 – and attentive service guaranteed.

Vet care without the sting

TAFE SA’s PETSinTuition clinic offers affordable veterinary care provided by supervised veterinary nursing students. Services include health checks, vaccinations, and routine surgeries, so you can look after your furry friend properly and stay on budget. 

Free dental care

Get completely free dental hygiene treatments at TAFE SA’s Dental Clinic, including exams, x-rays, and cleanings, provided by students under professional supervision. It might take a bit longer, but the savings are massive!

Tax help, no fees attached

UniSA’s Tax Clinic provides completely free tax support for individuals and small businesses, assisting with those pesky (and often baffling) tax returns and disputes.

Legal advice – for free

From tenancy disputes to traffic tickets, UniSA’s Legal Advice Clinic and Flinders Legal Centre have you covered. They both offer confidential, no-cost legal support, delivered by supervised law students.

Physio on a budget

UniSA Physiotherapy Clinics provide affordable treatments from supervised final-year physio students. That means help with sports injuries to get you through another footy season, and no need to let costs stop you from getting your back pain seen to.

Health appointments for less

Flinders’ Health2Go clinic offers not only budget-friendly physiotherapy, but also health services like optometry, audiology, and counselling. Initial appointments start at $20 and follow-ups at $15.

Samstag Museum of Art.

Want a fun, free (or very cheap) date idea?

Samstag Museum of Art: Bold art, zero cost

This isn’t your average art gallery – it’s where boundary-pushing ideas meet big creative energy. Its immersive installations and edgy visuals are free, fresh, and designed to make you think. 

MOD: Not your granny’s museum

Forget dusty displays and ‘do not touch’ signs – MOD is hands-on science, art, and tech mashed up for maximum fun. Expect interactive exhibits that’ll stretch your brain and spark big ideas. Best part? Totally free.

Elder Con lunchtime concerts: Midday music fix

Having a rough day at the office? Escape for a lunchtime recharge with these super affordable concerts at the University of Adelaide, featuring some of SA’s best young musicians – guaranteed to lift your mood.

Waite Arboretum.

Waite Arboretum: Trees, bees and tranquillity

Escape the city buzz in the University of Adelaide’s lush 27-hectare green space packed with thousands of trees –  including Adelaide icon, Elm Avenue. Wander through special gardens built for bees, butterflies and birds, or explore with the free Arboretum app. Always open, always free, it’s the perfect place to touch grass.

Flinders University Museum of Art: Culture fix sorted

Soak up some creative vibes without spending a cent: FUMA’s changing programs and exhibits feature everything from cutting-edge contemporary Aboriginal works to striking European prints. Check out their latest show at the Bedford Park campus.

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