Hey Roomies,
Let's keep it a buck—college is stressful enough with exams, group projects, and trying to make it to that 8 a.m. class on time (spoiler alert: no one ever does). The last thing you need is money stress on top of it all. But here’s the thing: mastering your finances in college doesn’t have to feel like an impossible math problem.
In this issue, we’re going to dive into some easy, practical tips to help you stay on top of your money without sacrificing your social life—or your daily iced coffee habit.
1. Build a College Budget You’ll Actually Stick To
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Budgeting is boring.” But hear me out—having a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up all the fun stuff. It just means knowing where your money’s going so you don’t accidentally spend your rent money on Beyonce tickets (again).
Start Small: Break down your expenses into basic categories like rent, food, transportation, and fun. Set a realistic limit for each category and track your spending with a free app like YNAB or PocketGuard.
Pro Tip: Always budget for a few unexpected expenses—like that late-night pizza order during finals week. (You know it’s coming.)
2. Get Creative with Side Hustles
If you’re looking for ways to bring in some extra cash between classes, there are tons of side hustles perfect for college students that won’t take up too much time. Here are a few ideas:
Freelance Writing or Design: If you’ve got skills in writing, graphic design, or video editing, consider offering your services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. You can work on projects in your free time and get paid for your creativity.
Campus Tech Guru: Are you the go-to person when your friends’ WiFi isn’t working or their laptop dies right before a paper’s due? Offer your tech support services for a fee—trust me, there’s always someone willing to pay for a quick fix!
Sell Your Old Stuff: Got textbooks or clothes you no longer need? Use apps like Depop or Facebook Marketplace to sell your unwanted items and make some easy money.
3. Stop Letting Student Discounts Go to Waste
Being a college student comes with one major perk: student discounts. Take full advantage of all the places that offer discounts with your student ID or .edu email. From streaming services (hello, Spotify Student) to clothing stores, there are plenty of deals out there that will help you save big.
Sites to Check: Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans have lists of student discounts that cover everything from fashion to food.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about asking if stores or restaurants offer student discounts—even if it’s not advertised, many places will knock a few bucks off for students.
4. Use Free Apps to Track Your Spending (Because Mystery Money Isn’t Fun)
We’ve all had those moments where we check our bank accounts and have no idea where the money went (spoiler: it was probably coffee and takeout). Avoid the mystery by using free budgeting apps to track your spending and stay in control of your finances.
Best Apps: Free apps like, YNAB (You Need a Budget), and PocketGuard make it easy to see exactly where your money is going. You can even set up alerts when you’re about to go over budget (because, trust me, it happens).
Pro Tip: Set up a weekly “money check-in” to review your spending habits and see where you can cut back. It doesn’t take long, and your future self will thank you.
5. Don’t Forget to Save for Emergencies (Yes, Really)
I know saving money in college can feel impossible, but even setting aside just $10 or $20 a month can add up over time. Emergencies happen (like a busted phone or an unexpected trip home), and having a small cushion will help you avoid going into debt or begging your parents for cash.
Easy Savings Hack: Set up automatic transfers to a separate savings account, so you don’t even have to think about it. Out of sight, out of mind!
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your College Finances
Managing your money in college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, take advantage of discounts, and use free tools to stay on top of your spending. By getting into good financial habits now, you’ll set yourself up for success long after graduation (and hopefully have enough cash left over for the occasional splurge).
Got any money-saving tips or side hustles you’ve tried? Hit reply and share your thoughts with us! We’d love to hear from you.
Stay savvy,
Benita Hamilton
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