There are some college students who don't seem to have enough money to pay for food, and yet it seems that some others have all their bills covered. In most situations, the truth is somewhere in between. But the fact of the matter is that every college student can find places where they can cut back. Here are 10 money-saving tips for students for you to read through and find the ones most applicable to you and your budget. From J. Crew to Apple, many retailers will offer a discount just for showing your student ID. Others might need a college email address (that ends in .edu) for online shopping. One popular program is Amazon’s Prime Student, which gives you a 6-month free trial and then future discounts. Just make sure not to let the bills pile up as you take advantage of free shipping.1. Use Student Discounts
2. Find Free Entertainment On Campus
If your school is a football powerhouse, you might need to part with some dough to get into the games. But most schools offer free admission to the majority of other sports, including gymnastics and baseball.
Your campus probably also offers a wide variety of speakers such as authors, political figures and comedians. It’s also worthwhile to check for on-campus movies or theater productions. Usually all it takes to gain free admission for these types of events is a student ID.
3. Dine On A Budget
The first place to start is by making the most of your meal plan if you have one. Even if your friends are all going out for pizza later, make a stop at the dining hall to fill up on salad or beverages. You can still indulge in a slice at the restaurant, but you’ll save money by not making a meal of it.
If you have an apartment, you should also learn to make a few simple, cheap meals like pasta or an egg frittata. You can even whip up dishes for your friends rather than meeting at a restaurant. And when you do go out, find places that offer discounts or that have a happy hour. Even if you don’t have a drink, the food is often offered at a great price.
4. Avoid Interest Charges
This is just money down the drain, and the sooner you learn that, the more money-savvy you will be. Avoid making charges on your credit cards that you can’t cover each billing cycle, and always pay your bills on time. Setting them up for automatic payment can help when finals time rolls around and your mind is elsewhere. As a bonus, responsible use of credit and timely payments can help boost your credit score, too.
5. Borrow What You Can
No, we’re not talking about money. But with anything else, don’t ever buy what you can borrow. Some dorms might provide cleaning supplies and outdoor equipment for rent from the front desk, but in other living situations, you could check with a neighbor before making a large purchase for an item you’ll only use sporadically. For transportation, look into services like Zipcar for times when public transportation won’t work for you.
6. Join Student Discussion Boards
Most schools have an online group (like Facebook) where you are liable to find free or cheap household items or even reduced concert tickets. Check it vigilantly and jump on a great deal when it shows up.
7. Watch Textbook Costs
Textbooks can be expensive, and the worst part is that sometimes a professor won’t even use the book listed in the course catalog. That’s why it can be smart to wait until class starts to buy books, as the instructor might mention that they won’t be using a specific text or that the information will be available online. If you do need to buy textbooks, consider renting or buying used books (and then, of course, reselling them when the course is over).
8. Ditch Gym Expenses
Avoid shelling out money for a gym or for fitness classes at a boutique studio. Many colleges have an on-campus facility that offers a wide range of equipment and group fitness options. Or, you can start a walking, biking or hiking club with fellow classmates.
9. Cut Back On Laundry Costs
Sure, you want to wear those black pants to the party tonight, but when you realize that you’re paying for a whole load of laundry just to wash that one item, you might think twice and plan a little better. Aim to only wash full loads, but also make sure you’re washing them correctly so you don’t inadvertently shrink or discolor a whole load of clothes. That can be a very expensive mistake.
10. Adopt A Minimalist Lifestyle
What do we mean by this? Try out the “less is more” aesthetic. The great news is that it’s very on-trend given current concerns about sustainability. Whether it’s dorm decor or an outrageous costume for a one-time party, think before you buy anything. Your wallet – and the planet – will be happy.
