HOW DO YOU PEOPLE SURVIVE UNI?!! I NEED TIPS

I'm currently a first-year student majoring in multimedia. I’m having trouble figuring out how to save money. My monthly allowance is $500, but food prices vary. Sometimes takeaway costs $5, and other times it’s $8.

Not to mention the necessary expenses for classes, like books and supplies. I’ve also used my work money to buy a new laptop since my old one couldn't handle the coursework.