How to save money as a college student
College can be stressful enough with the overload of classes and assignments. When you finally manage to find time to go do laundry at midnight you don’t want to find your pockets empty and regretting the $10 that you wasted on pizza. There are a lot of great ways to save money, whether you’re tight or not. Later on in life, the practice may save you from a financial situation.
A lot of students on campus typically have a job. But when you play sports or simply just don’t have time for a job, these tips can save you money fast.
- One of the major rules of saving money as a college student is to hold onto your change! It may get annoying carrying around a wallet full of coins, so instead keep a cup or even the traditional piggy bank by your desk.
- Another great way to save for those who do laundry every week is to share a washer and dryer. Ask a roommate or a friend who also has a small load and split the cost for the machines. Just make sure the colors don’t get mixed in with the whites…
- Instead of going off campus every weekend, student activities offer great events that are free! Check your school website and email for upcoming events. A lot of schools also offer transportation like a shuttle or bus, which may also be free depending on where you go to school. Time may be limited depending on the transportation schedules, but it will encourage you to have a plan before traveling.
- For those of you who like to go to the movies, a lot of schools also offer movie tickets through student activities for cheaper prices. But, if you are low on cash, stay in and watch a movie. If you don’t have a movie that you want to watch, ask around. Students are usually open to sharing movies and video games, as long as they are returned. And hey who knows, maybe they will even ask to watch the movie with you.
- It is always nice to have some food in your dorm so you don’t have to walk to the dinning hall every time you’re hungry. When and if you go shopping with roommates or friends, try to pay for your own food instead of sharing. You may end up paying for someone else’s food. Keep your own food bin so that you know how much food you have and what you like to eat. But when you are grocery shopping, look for store brand names. They are usually cheaper and taste the same as the other products you like. When I shop I always ask myself, “Will I really eat this?”
- A majority of students like to go clothes shopping but find themselves splurging all of their money away. Instead, the next time you are at a store, ask for a student discount. And if not, that sweater that you are dying to have will be on sale within two weeks. If you don’t have the money to spend on new clothing, a great way for a new look is to hold a clothing swap in your dorm. Not only will it save you money, but you could also meet people in your dorm that you have never seen before.
These are tips that you can use not only throughout your college years, but in the real world as well. It can get you into the habit of making smart financial decisions, which can save you money years down the road towards.
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