I've compiled a list of tips that will definitely help you out with saving money in college.
- Don't buy expensive binders and folders just because they're cute: Get the cheap ugly ones and decorate them yourself! Keep your eyes open for a Cute Binder DIY!
- Buy used textbooks or rent them if possible: Buying brand new textbooks is a bad idea. Trust me, I did it my first two semesters because I like having fresh new things. I wasted over $400 that I could have used to pay back my student loans. Check out Amazon.com for used textbooks, or rent them from Chegg.com (but make sure you send it back on time, or you'll be paying interest...)
- ALWAYS check with your professor before buying the book: Ask them how often the book will be used. If they say "Oh you need it for that one paragraph on page 11", don't buy the book. Ask a classmate to text/email/send a picture of that paragraph. Don't waste your money on a book that you'll only touch once.
- Gather classmate info: If you have a question, sometimes the professor won't answer. They have hundreds of other students, you're not their biggest concern. Get your desk partners cell number and email address and ask them for help if you have a question about an assignment.
- Buy snacks and drinks in bulk and avoid vending machines: Seriously... $2 for an itty bitty bag of skittles? No. Go to Costco or BJ's before you move into your dorm (or before semester starts for those of you who live off campus) and buy a pack of 200bags for $10.
- Use cash or debit - never credit: With debit and cash, you can more simply keep track of your spending. When you always rely on your credit card, you stop paying attention to how much you spend. Those bottles of Sprite add up, I promise.
- Live at home or off campus: If you're going to a state college where on-campus living is not manditory, live in an apartment with a couple roommates, or if you're close enough to home, take over the basement or spare room above the garage. I'm in the spare above the garage at my parents house and I go DAYS without even seeing them. It's worth it to save that money.
- Leave your car at home: Rely on buses or friends to get you to where you need to go. The price of gas and parking really adds up.
- Become an RA: You'll have to stay up till 3am waiting for everyone to get in and out of the dorm, but you get a break on price of board. It's so worth it.
- COMMUNITY COLLEGE!!!!: Spend 2 years getting your Associates at community college - Save well over $10k. Go to a state college after to get your Bachelors, then if you want to go on, find somewhere to get your Masters. Community College is cheap and great if you're not totally certain what you want to do with your life. It's the best decision I ever made.
- Become an extreme couponer: Sounds silly but trust me, it's great. When you need to make a run to the grocery store to pick up snacks, save a ton of money by using coupons.
- Cook/drink at home instead of going out: My boyfriend and I need to utilize this tip. Go to the store and pick up ingredients for a nice home cooked meal instead of hitting up Panera and Starbucks every time you're hungry. You'll save a TON of money. And have some friends over for a small party instead of going to the bar. Instead of spending $2 on each bottle of beer, buy a couple cases or kegs and throw down!
- Track your spending and make a budget: Create a plan for how much you will allow yourself to spend on what per week. You'll save up if you follow your plan.
- Cheap dates: At home meals, hikes, on campus activities. Don't spend your money going out to fancy dinners. Cheap dates are SO MUCH more fun.
- Don't buy on impulse: If you see something you want, put it down. Wait a week. If you still want it, go get it.
- Start a small business: Can you fix computers? iPhone screens? Play an instrument? Start charging for your services. Others will prefer having a buddy fix their stuff as opposed to the guy in town who charges a ton to do these things. And if you play an instrument, have frats/sororities pay you to perform at their parties.
- Watch for student discounts: There's student discounts everywhere, you just have to keep an eye out. My boyfriend pays HALF of what everyone else does at Crossfit because he's a student!
- Campus activities: Movie nights, dances, socials, even luncheons. My schools culinary department does lunches once a week. FREE FOOD. Always check out campus activities.
