Thinking of how to save money in college? Saving money in college may seem impossible, but it is very achievable!
This article will provide you with a realistic guide on how to save money in college. For most college students, this is their first time budgeting and managing money on their own.
You may not be aware of all the methods for extending the life of your money. That is the purpose of this list.
Here are some of the best money management and saving tips for college students. All of them are based on personal experience.
Realistic guide on how to save money in college:
1. Get a job
Before you can save money, you need to have some in the first place, so this one is a fairly obvious way to “save” money in college.
It always helps to have some cash coming in. That’s just one reason why having a job while in school can help.
Look for a job either on-campus or off-campus. On-campus jobs are particularly appealing because they’re easy to get to and can be a great way to meet other students.
Plus, most on-campus managers are willing to work around your class schedule because they recognize that your degree is a top priority.
2. Avoid new textbooks
When searching for ways to save money in college, it makes sense to first look at some of your biggest costs. New textbooks can be quite expensive, so look into buying them used or renting them.
Asking students who’ve completed the class to sell or loan you their books is also a great way to save money as a student. Just make sure the required textbook didn’t change.
Once you’re done with your textbooks, sell them! While the return on investment isn’t great, an extra hundred dollars at the end of a semester can mean a lot to a struggling college student.
3. Budget weekend spending
Set a spending cap for weekend activities and think of creative ways to spend less. Just don’t go too far to save money. One of the best parts of college is socializing with new people, so don’t stay locked up in your dorm to save a few bucks!
This is where a job can really come in handy. Even if your income is minimal and only covers weekend spending, that’s still a huge win to keep your bank account afloat during the semester.
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4. Eat on campus
Another tried and true way to save money in college is to take full advantage of your meal plan. There’s no sense in regularly spending money dining out when you have access to prepaid meals on campus.
If the dining hall food isn’t great, limit your dining-out dollars by making home-cooked meals instead. You could even make it an event where you and your friends cook a group meal together and divvy up expenses.
Look for recipes online and rotate who hosts the event. Not only is this an effective way to save money as a student, but you’ll learn new culinary skills.
Saving money in college by cooking at home.
Try your hand at cooking! Not only will it cut costs, but it’s a valuable skill to have.
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5. Ditch the car
Not all colleges let students keep cars on campus. Even if yours does, think twice before bringing your ride.
It can be very expensive there’s car insurance, gas money, maintenance and repairs, and purchasing parking passes for every semester. All those expenses add up to a ton of money.
Instead, save money and help the environment by using public transportation or riding a bike. And if you really need a ride somewhere, take a cab or use a ride-sharing service, like Uber or Lyft.
Managing money while in college is a learning experience. There are a variety of strategies to save money while in college.
So check out some more tips on How to Save Money in College HERE