Are you tired of your wallet being sad every time you pay for a coffee, snack or even buy a used textbook?
Yea you're not the only one
Well, here’s a good gem: college doesn’t have to make you broke. Sure, most of us have tight budgets, but that doesn’t mean you need to live on ramen (or last week's pizza that been in the fridge) to miss out on everything fun. Check out these ten money hacks to help you live your best (and possibly well-fed) college life!
Back to Budgeting Basics – AKA, Stop Buying Stuff You Don’t Need
I never get tired talking about because apparently students never get tired of doing it!
I know budgeting isn't exactly fun, but neither is studying for the midterms. It's important to develop the discipline to restrict oneself from buying unnecessary items.
Just start simple. Keep track of where your money goes, and be forreal with yourself: do you really need three streaming subscriptions when you’re supposed to be studying? Try using free budgeting apps like YNAB or Goodbudget that make tracking spending almost fun.
2.Use Your Campus Library Like Your Life Depends on It (Well, at Least Like Your Education Does)
Yes, it has more than textbooks! Most campus libraries will loan out laptops, cameras, and even chargers for no charge to you!
Why buy (or panic when you lose your own) when you can check it out for free? Some libraries even have DVDs for movie night with friends—no Netflix subscription needed.
*Cue the Law in Order theme song*
3. Master the Art of the Student Discount
Remember, you’re part of an exclusive club: Student Discount Nation!
From Spotify and Apple Music to Amazon Prime and Adobe, major brands love to cut college students a break. Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans round up all the best student discounts, so you don’t have to dig around the web. (Except to subscribe to my blog of course)
4. Food Hacks 101 – Because Ramen Gets Old (Even the “Fancy” Kind)
Look, ramen’s great and all, but it’s not the only cheap meal on the block.
Buy staples like pasta, rice, and beans in bulk, and learn some basic meal prep. Most campuses have community kitchens, so try teaming up with friends for cooking sessions. Also see if you can ask your family back at home to contribute to groceries.
Also, many schools offer free food at events, so keep an eye out for those “pizza provided” signs on flyers around campus!
5. Get Real about Textbooks – Pro Tips to Not Go Broke
Here’s a hot take: textbooks don’t have to cost your entire grocery budget. Look into used book options, textbook rentals, or even digital versions.
Websites like Chegg, Amazon, or ThriftBooks offer cheaper textbook options. And don’t sleep on your library! (Unless you're studying for an exam, then you can sleep in the library) Many keep copies of popular textbooks on reserve, so you might be able to borrow for free.
6. Public Transportation – Your BFF for Getting Around (and Avoiding Parking Fees)
Owning a car is expensive, especially when campus parking can cost a small fortune.
Instead, use the public transportation your student fees are likely already paying for! Most colleges offer discounted or free bus passes, which can save you loads on gas, parking fees, and car maintenance. Plus, you get to feel environmentally virtuous. Win-win!
7. Earn Side Hustle Cash Without Leaving Your Dorm
College schedules can be intense, but there are plenty of flexible side hustles you can do on your own time.
Online gigs like freelance writing, tutoring, or graphic design gigs let you earn a little extra cash from your laptop. If you’re crafty, try selling handmade goods on Etsy or Poshmark. It’s cash-in-pocket without taking on a demanding job.
Conclusion:
College is expensive, but by using these hacks, you can dodge some of the costs and maybe even save enough for a splurge now and then. So before you spend, consider what perks you can tap into as a student. Being a college student might just be the most “discount-eligible” time of your life. Go forth, be frugal, and avoid the ramen aisle when possible.
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