College is expensive and it can feel impossible to save money when there is tuition, textbooks, meals, and school supplies to pay for in addition to wanting to have a little fun. If you are trying to live on a tight budget while in school, then keep reading to find out 20 Easy Ways to Save Money in College.
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College can be so stressful because it’s the first time that you are on your own and responsible for managing your own finances. Everything is so expensive and it can be overwhelming trying to save money when you have bills to pay but you want to go out with your friends and have fun.
Here are 20 Easy Ways to Save Money in College for the student living on a tight budget.
20 Easy Ways to Save Money in College
1.Set up a budget
One of the best things you can do to save money in college is to set up a budget so you know the amount of money you have coming in and going out each month. By taking the time to track your finances you start making smarter choices. It allows you to see if you are overspending in certain areas and if you need to cut back.
Budgeting is an easy way to start managing your finances. If you have never set up a budget before, grab this budget planner and check out my post A Beginners Guide to Budgeting in 5 Easy Steps to get started.
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2. Rent your textbooks
Textbooks are a necessity in college. But, why buy them when you will probably never use them again. Try renting them instead to save the most money. Check out your school bookstore or Amazon Textbook Rentals. You can save hundreds just by renting your books instead of buying them.
3. Sign up for Amazon Prime Student Free for 6 months
Did you know that college students can get Amazon Prime Student
Prime Student offers:
- Free Two-Day Delivery
- Includes Prime Video that gives you access to free movies and TV shows
- Free Unlimited Photo Storage
- Deals and Exclusive offers for college students
Sign up here– Amazon Prime Student
4. Buy a less expensive smartphone
You don’t need to pay for an expensive contract when you can purchase a less expensive smartphone with a pay-as-you-go option. You can still get a great phone but without the high monthly payments.
5. Resist the urge to eat out
This doesn’t mean you can’t eat out. It just means be aware and not eat out every day. Make a plan and decide to only eat out once every other week. If you are serious about saving money then this is a great way to do it.
Related Post: 18 Best Ways to Eat Out on a Budget
6. Meal plan
If you are paying for a meal plan then make sure that you are getting the most out of it and using your credits so you are not losing any and wasting money. Many colleges require you to have a meal plan if you live on campus so choose wisely and pick the plan that is the most cost-effective for you.
If you are living off-campus, one of the best ways to save money is to plan out your meals and snacks for the week. Pack your lunch instead of eating in the dining hall or getting fast food.
When grocery shopping for your meals, don’t go when you are hungry because you will be much more likely to overspend and throw items into your cart without even thinking about what you are buying. Instead, always go after a meal and bring a grocery list.
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7. Control your spending
Have you ever went into a store saw something you liked and impulsively purchased it then ended up regretting it later? It happens to the best of us. But, it doesn’t have to if we change our mindset. Ask yourself if you need it? If you don’t, then walk away and wait a week. If you really want it and can afford it. Then buy it. But, most times you will find that after a week, you will probably have forgotten all about it and saved yourself some money in the process.
You May Like:10 Ways to Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need
8. Cancel subscriptions
Do you subscribe to any subscription boxes or premium services for entertainment? Look over your budget to see what services you are actually using and cancel the ones you can do without.
You can take advantage of free music services such as Pandora or Crackle for movies and TV shows.
9. Save on transportation costs
If you are on campus, you don’t necessarily need a vehicle which will save you on car payments, car insurance, gas, and upkeep. You can take advantage of the free transportation that many colleges offer, use public transportation, bicycle or walk instead.
10. Take advantage of student discounts
Did you know you can receive discounts at many local businesses such as movie theaters and restaurants? Make sure to always carry your student I.D. so you can provide proof.
11. Apply for scholarships
Many students will apply for multiple scholarships in high school to prepare for college but forget to keep applying once they are in college. Make sure you are always checking and apply for as many scholarships as you can throughout college to save the most money.
12. Unsubscribe from email lists
If you want to resist the temptation you get from the weekly emails from your favorite retailers, then the best thing you can do is unsubscribe from their email list. This way you’re not aware of any sales going on and you won’t be enticed to spend money that you don’t have.
13. Don’t pay for a gym membership
You are probably already paying for a gym membership on campus. There is no need to pay for an additional membership at another gym.
Related Post: 12 Tips for Losing Weight on a Budget
14. Find free events and activities on campus
Take advantage of events and activities that are offered throughout campus. Most provide free food and beverages. It’s also a great way to get out and socialize with other students.
15. Look for discounts
Make sure you are looking for discounts everywhere. RetailMeNot and Groupon are great for finding discounts on online purchases and activities.
16. Stop buying coffee on campus
Skip purchasing your coffee every morning on your way to class. You could save up to $700.00 a school year just by making coffee yourself and bringing it with you. This coffee maker is perfect for college students and budget-friendly too.
Do you love iced coffee? This iced coffee maker comes with a reusable tumbler.
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17. Cancel cable
There are so many other affordable options than cable. If you are someone who just wants to catch up on their favorite shows then Hulu would be a great alternative for you. Spotify Premium for Students combines Spotify, Hulu, and Showtime for only $4.99 a month. This is a great way to get premium entertainment for a low cost helping you stretch your budget even more.
18. Use the library
Take advantage of your school’s library and your local library for additional books you need for classes. You can also borrow movies from your local library instead of renting or buying movies.
19. Pay bills on time
Make sure that you are paying your bills on time so you are not incurring late fees. It can also have a negative impact on your credit which you definitely don’t want as a college student. It’s during this time in your life that you should be building your credit.
20. Get paid to shop
If you are going to shop anyway then you might as well get paid to shop. At Rakuten (formerly Ebates) you can earn money back when you make a purchase online just for buying things you would normally.
Get cash back just for shopping if you sign up through my link.
Looking for ways to make some extra money? Check out my post on 14 Easy Side Hustles to Make Money Fast.
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There is no doubt that the cost of going to college is overwhelming. But with these quick money-saving tips you can still have fun while living on a tight budget.
Don’t forget to sign up for access to my free resource library where you can find planner printables to keep you organized for the whole school year.
