Money-saving tips are something that I think every college student and even adult can use some of. The struggle is real in college regarding money. There’s so much we want to do and so many experiences we want to have, but they all cost money! Between eating out, happy hours, going out to bars (pre-COVID), and the grocery store, it can add up pretty fast.
Saving money and budgeting has always been something I’ve been passionate about and has come easy to me. I’m going to share my best money-saving tips that will help you out during your college and adult years!
Have you ever been stressed out about money? Unfortunately, most of us have. It’s hard to save money AND still get that fun college experience. Most events and outings that happen during your college years require money. I wish it weren’t that way.
The good news is that there’s a lot of sneaky tips and tricks you can use that will help you save money during your college years! I have been using these tips for years and have saved a ton of money.
Take What You Can
Just a little disclaimer, not all of these tips are going to work for you and your lifestyle. Some of them may just be unrealistic or something that you aren’t willing to sacrifice.
I understand that everyone has different financial circumstances and comes from different backgrounds. You may need to be tighter with your budget, or you may have some wiggle room. Whatever your circumstance is, I know that some of these money-saving tips will resonate with you.
Also, these are all pre-COVID tips. Times are different now and we’re not all on campus, but a lot of these tips will still apply.
Money-Saving Tips
Without further ado, here are my top 14 money-saving tips for college students!
1. Establish a budget
Budgeting is essential for saving money. You need to know how much money you have and what you need or want to be spending it on. For me, groceries are my biggest expense and what I spend the most money on.
Let’s say I want to spend $100 per week as my budget. If my weekly groceries are around $50, then I have $50 to spend on going out to eat or whatever else (or save it).
Establish what your budget is, write it down, and STICK TO IT. There’s no point in setting a budget if you aren’t going to stick to it! You need to get a little tough on yourself, depending on your situation.
2. Don’t buy textbooks (right away)
Textbooks are the biggest college scam there is. Yup, I said it. Why are we paying tuition AND hundreds of dollars on books?! I have learned to not purchase textbooks until you speak with your professor or see if you actually need it.
The amount of times I’ve purchased textbooks and not opened them is sad. If you do need a textbook, there are so many websites such as Amazon
3. Cook your own food
This is a big one and probably the most important. One of the biggest expenses of being a college student is going out to eat. I try to only eat out on the weekends unless it’s a special occasion. Again, this is different for everyone depending on your situation.
I purchase my food to cook for the week so I don’t need to eat out. If you know you have class all day, pack some snacks so you don’t need to spend $5 on a bag of chips from Starbucks. This will save you SO MUCH money.
4. Take advantage of college discounts
There are so many college discounts out there that you’ve probably never even heard of. The obvious being Amazon Prime, but most restaurants and stores have a discount for students will a college I.D. Rather than me writing it all out, here is a link with TONS of stores and restaurants that offer student discounts.
5. Go for reusable
Reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and plastic bags are a lifesaver. I have a 32-oz Hydroflask, which goes absolutely everywhere with me. I never buy plastic water bottles because it’s so easy to just fill mine up on campus.
Something else I also love having is a water pitcher in my fridge which makes filling up my bottle so easy. You don’t have to keep buying plastic water bottles, which saves money and the environment! Another reusable investment is food storage bags, so you don’t need to keep buying plastic bags.
6. Be wise where you shop
When it comes to grocery shopping, Trader Joe’s is the way to go. They have the absolute best prices and products (I’ll link my essential Trader Joe’s products, here). If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, shop wherever has the best prices with products you like!
If you’re shopping for clothes, try and make it fun by going thrift shopping with your friends. Thrift stores have some amazing pieces and can be made into a fun day!
7. Utilize the pre-game
Bars are expensive. One night out with drinks can run you at least $75. Instead of buying the $20 bar drinks, take advantage of pre-gaming with your friends.
Have some drinks beforehand, and maybe buy one or two at the bar. This way, you don’t feel left out, you’re still having a good time, and you’re saving money!
8. Use the school gym
School gyms are amazing for saving money. They offer so many resources such as equipment, fields, and even free classes. Don’t be spending your money on $100 gym or yoga memberships when you can do it all for free!
9. Plan out your meals
Meal-prepping and planning is a great money-saving tip. Before you head to the grocery store, plan out what you’re going to cook and write it down.
Never go to the grocery store without a plan on paper or in your head. You’ll end up buying way more than you need. Look at your class schedule, and think of what snacks you’ll need, when you’ll be home to cook, and when you’re going to eat out.
10. Ask for “adult” gifts
When it comes to birthdays and holidays, of course, we all love gifts! I’ve learned to ask for gifts that make my life easier as a college student and save me money.
Some gifts I’ve asked for are Trader Joe’s gift cards, kitchen appliances, and clothing that I needed or wear every day.
11. Get a part-time job
This is definitely not realistic for everyone, myself included. My course-load is just way too much to have a job. Instead of having a traditional job, I’ve found some other ways to make money.
If you have old clothing, take advantage of Poshmark or Depop to make some extra cash. I’ve also started walking dogs which is a business that’s always in need of help. It’s a job, but not something that consumes my life or time.
12. Take advantage of school resources
There are so many resources on campus that I’ve never learned about until I took the time to. Most colleges offer free tutoring services, which is so helpful when you’re struggling in class. Tutors can be expensive, so really take advantage of this.
Also, I know you always see those signs about different events and info sessions on campus. Odds are, most of them will have food. No shame in stopping by to pick up a free snack!
13. Live minimally
I have always been more on a minimalist. I don’t have a ton of clothes or fancy items. Instead of having a million cheap shirts or leggings, I would rather invest in one really good pair that will last me forever. If you have clothes that no longer serve you, try selling them!
14. Don’t be afraid to say “no”
As I said before, most college students are always trying to save money. If your friends invite you to dinner or to something that you just don’t have money for, don’t be afraid to say no!
A simple, “oh no I can’t, I’m trying to save money,” is a comment that everyone can appreciate and understand. No one isn’t going to like you because you said “no” to a happy hour. If they do, they’re not your friends!
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to say “yes” either. College is the best 4 years of your life, so if a spontaneous dinner out pops up on a weeknight, don’t be afraid to go because you only eat out on the weekends. Just don’t make it a regular thing and you’ll be fine!
I hope that these tips are helpful in your money-saving journey! I understand that not all of them will be applicable to your life, but I know that some of them will be.
Even though it’s important to save money, don’t forget to enjoy your life. We’re only young once, so we need to enjoy it. Just enjoy it smart, responsibly, and try to save some extra money along the way.
xoxo
