College students everywhere are constantly struggling with money and budgeting. With expensive tuition, living costs, and transportation– the very thought of saving money in college might seem impossible. This idea is actually very possible and the key to saving money is no secret at all.
Here are a few helpful hacks and tips on how to get started. The smallest changes can have the biggest impact.
Textbooks: Textbooks are an essential in most classes, but that does not mean you need a brand new one. Check online for any used books or rent them out, and pay half of the original amount. Check on EBay, Amazon, or your school bookstore for any discounts. Also, when you’re done with the class, sell the book and make your money back.
Student Discounts: Bring your student ID everywhere you go! There are discounts offered by many companies including Apple, Adobe, and AmazonPrime.com. Different brands and chain restaurants also give students discounts so be sure to ask beforehand.
Meal Plans : If you have a meal plan, use it! Eating out may seem nice in the beginning, but all that take-out will eventually rack-up your money. Take advantage of your meal plan and if you are allowed, try investing in a coffee machine to save some money on your every-morning necessity. Microwaves and mini fridges are also great to have for any extra snacks or quick meals.
Campus Amenities: Get involved on campus for FREE! Attend events with free food, volunteer, hang out with CAB for front lawn and movie theatre showings,or read in the library. Are you spending money on a gym membership every month? Use your free Student Recreation Center membership to workout, play sports, and attend group fitness classes.
Cars on Campus: A car requires a parking pass, gas, insurance, and unexpected repairs. All of these expenses add up and can put a dent in your account. Try using transportation provided by the schools, or use a bike. Both options are easy to manage, get you to your destination, and require little to no expenses. Plus – they’re better for the environment!
Housing: When choosing housing, always weigh out your best options and plan ahead. If you have decided to live off-campus, compare the prices of homes you are interested in and then compare it to staying on campus in a dorm. Choose your best financial option accordingly. Also, consider having a roommate so you can split housing costs. Decorations can be expensive, so make sure to live within your means and have a budget for your home decor. Try using the OfferUp phone app or EBay to find affordable wall decor and furniture.
Scholarships and Grants: Be sure to apply for scholarships and grants as much as possible. For those who do not have outstanding grades or GPA, they offer money opportunities for talents, writing, and hobbies as well. Check out websites such as Fastweb.com and CollegeBoard.com
Promos and Coupons: Keep up with coupons, catalogs, and promotions that you find online or on paper. They may be of good use to you when the time comes to grocery shop or stack up on any products. Yelp and Groupon can also help you find any specials nearby that you might be interested in.
On-Campus Jobs: Joining a work-study program or becoming a student assistant is a great way to make some extra money. Working for the university is a great option if you live on campus because transportation is already provided. Plus, on-campus jobs have to work with your class schedule. Working on campus also helps you stay involved in the campus and network with others. Campus jobs tend to fill quickly, so stay updated and apply for positions as early as possible on Blazer Briefcase.
Side Hustles: Tap into your creativity and start a business on the side. Fixing phones, selling artwork, providing beauty services, selling clothes, and cooking/baking are all great ways to make money around campus. Start by advertising, printing out fliers, and having friends repost them online to spread the word.
Ditch Cable: Basic cable plans only go as low a $60, which can still be overwhelming for most college students. Cheaper alternatives to cable, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, are more affordable and offer more content.
Stay Focused on Studies: As fun as partying and going on trips with your friends are, studying is always the more affordable option. Staying inside and focusing on your work will help you improve academically and financially. Try limiting the amount of times you go out and stick to certain days.
These suggestions will help you save money and decrease your amount of spending. Keeping up with financial wellness can seem difficult for a college student, but there are always more affordable alternatives to help ease your stress.
Written By: Kayla Pool
Sources:
https://www.collegeavestudentloans.com/blog/creative-ways-to-save-money-in-college/
