Finding it hard to make ends meet in college? You’re not alone. Many students are feeling the pinch of rising tuition costs and living expenses. The good news is that you don’t have to be a “starving student” in school. There are plenty of ways to save money and keep more of your hard-earned cash.
Try these tips, and you’ll get back to the double digits (triple even?) in no time.
Don’t buy new textbooks.
It’s shocking how expensive textbooks can be. Before you hit the campus bookstore, see if you can borrow books from a fellow student or from the university library. If not, buy used textbooks or rent them. Another option is to order digital textbooks through sites like iFlipd, which offer a pay-as-you-go model.
Save money on your new laptop.
Check for discounts and tax-free days before you buy your next computer. Dell, Apple, and Adobe are among those offering reduced prices to college students. Many campus bookstores offer discounts on laptops to incoming students. Also, protect your investment by getting a lock for your laptop and installing the latest antivirus software.
Watch application dates.
Some scholarships renew each year—if you take the time to reapply. Be sure to get your applications in on time.
Limit eating out.
If you bought into the meal plan at school, use it. Sure you want to splurge once in a while, but don’t make eating out a habit. The costs add up quickly.
Spend on accommodation carefully.
It’s usually way less expensive to live in the dorms than it is to live off-campus. Make your housing budget go even further by splitting the cost with a roommate.
Stay focused on your classes.
The reality is that many students don’t complete their degree in four years, and every additional semester is another big expense. Take advantage of university resources such as tutoring and academic advising to help you stay on track.
Use campus amenities.
Before you spend money out on the town, check out what activities there are on campus. There’s usually a lot available for free right there—from movie nights to fitness classes at the students' gyms.
Get a coffee maker.
Chip in with your roomies to get a good coffee maker instead of forking over money every morning for a latte. It’s amazing how fast those little expenses add up!
Buy in bulk.
Always pick up nonperishable items and toiletries in bulk to save money.
Monitor cell phone usage.
Make use My Data Manager, this will alert you if you exceed your monthly usage and will analyze your cell phone bills to make sure you have the best plan in place. And minimize your data usage by using Wi-Fi as much as possible.
Visit a local bank.
Ask about their checking and savings accounts designed for college students. They usually have no minimum balance and lower fees. Be sure they don’t hit you with big charges for things like using the ATM. Important: Use online banking to track your account balance and avoid overdraft fees—Otherwise, that’s a costly mistake!
Check the labels.
Buy clothes that can be washed/dried to avoid costly dry cleaning bills.