Money is tight in college, so I save anyway I can!
I have two jobs currently but some months I still have to pinch pennies. EVERYTHING is expensive from books, food, entertainment, and gas. The real world hit me like a train so I had to make a plan for how I was going to stop spending so much money and afford life. Bills aren’t fun, grocery shopping isn’t fun, and school shopping is horrible but this guide might make it a little easier to get through!
First off, books! Amazon is your best friend when it comes to finding the best price on textbooks. I usually look to see if they have an online version first because it is the most cost-effective. If they do not, the next best option is to rent. Rentals range from only a few weeks to a year. The return process is simple and is of no extra cost to you. While you’re shopping on Amazon, go ahead and purchase a student Prime account. With the Prime account, you can access free shipping, movies, movies, and special discounts. They also offer a free 6-month trial to see if you actually like it first!
Next, I also choose to use online shopping apps for groceries. If you download the apps for Target, Albertson’s, and Walmart, you receive free coupons on food items and personal care. When I came to college, I was shocked by the prices of toilet paper and laundry detergent. Most places off for you to go ahead and add the coupons to your cart, and they are connected to your phone number for your to pull up when checking out at the register. I also like to use grocery pick-up to only buy the items I need and don’t pick up extras as I walk through the isles.
When looking for ways to spend your weekend, always bring your student ID. Many companies at least allow a 10% discount for students of any kind. A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Las Vegas, and for all the activities we enjoyed, they offered 50% discounts for students. When deciding on travel plans, use your student ID. Airlines such as United offer lower prices for college kids looking to see the world. The same deals can be found when looking for hotels. Even when dining out, which is not advised, use your student ID to get anything you can!
My biggest money saver is reminding myself of what my mom always tells me: there’s food at home. It’s okay to dine out sometimes, but cooking meals at home saves big bucks. Use Pinterest to find easy, cheap, and quick recipes for weekday dinners and lunches. Try and meal prep or plan your meals ahead of time, so you don’t get hungry, and stop at the nearest fast-food chain. Cooking at home not only saves you money but also saves you pounds because I’m sure everyone who has gone through college is very much aware of the freshmen 15. Choose easy meals like pasta and a side salad that can be prepared in 20 minutes, or if you know you won’t have time at all to cook, invest in a slow cooker. When they are on sale, they can be purchased for as cheap as $20, and I promise it is so worth it on busy study night!
I can not stress this enough, plan ahead. Write down when all your bills are due, so you don’t miss any deadlines and avoid the awful late fees. I have all my bills set on automatic pay and write down when payments are due to check my account one more time for sufficient funds. Plan when you go grocery shopping to use the food you have and do not buy more than you need. Plan your weekends ahead of time for a chance to research coupons and discount nights. Before you spend, evaluate the best way to spend the money you have and save the money you’re going to need. College life comes with many unexpected costs, such as an accidental flat tire or an exam fee. Set aside savings for when your plans don’t match up.
College is never cheap for anyone. Even as students, when we use all our resources, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, food banks, and other resources for help when you can not make it through. Our university offers a campus cupboard where students can take as many items as they need without knowing their peers. By following these tips, college life becomes slightly, and I mean slightly less stressful!
For updates on added articles subscribe on the home page and follow my social media!
Public Relations and Marketing 