It turns out that all the stereotypes about poor college students are true. You will live from payday to payday, and once you do get paid, you'll go out and buy dish soap and deodorant and feel on top of the world. (Who knew that cleaning supplies and toiletries could be so exciting?) Fear not, however, because making it through college with a limited income is totally feasible and actually somewhat exhilirating! Here are 10 tips for conquering this stage in your life:
1. Make a budget.
You may think that making a budget isn't as important when you barely have an income, but actually the opposite is true . When you're a poor college student, you need to make every penny count, and writing a budget is the best way to do this. Check out this article if you need help figuring out how to build one!
2. Eat oatmeal and eggs.
This semester, I only have a 14-meal plan, so I've had to cook my own breakfasts. Buying actual food adds up quickly, but I've discovered two secret superfoods: oatmeal and eggs. Both are easy to cook, nutritious and incredibly cheap (especially if you buy oatmeal in the bulk section).
3. Steal food from the cafeteria.
You're paying goodness knows how much money for your university food, so you might as well make the most of it. My floormates and I take great pride in our ability to sneak food out of the cafeteria. Currently, whole loaves of bread, water bottles full of milk, muffins and Ziploc bags of raisins and pumpkin seeds have all been successfully pilfered.
4. Goodwill and thrift stores are your best friends.
Seriously. Forget malls and brand-name stores. Even Target should be a rare occurrence. From now on, when you need a sweater or pair of jeans, check out your local thrift store or Goodwill. It's a different kind of shopping, but it has its own delights and satisfying victories.
5. Buy drip coffee instead of lattes.
Everyone knows that coffee shops are the perfect places for long hours of studying, but those lattes can quickly drain the bank. Instead of buying a mocha or pumpkin spice latte, order drip coffee to energize you for writing those end-of-term papers. You can usually get a free refill, so you're basically getting twice the amount of coffee for less than half the price of a latte.
6. Better yet, make your own coffee at home.
If you're in need of a caffeine fix but don't have money to go to a coffee shop, buy your own coffee beans and make coffee in your dorm or apartment.
7. Call your mom a lot and guilt her into sending you care packages.
Homemade food comforts the soul of any poor college student. Plus, you will make your mom's day by talking to her on the phone, so it's a win-win!
8. Allow yourself treats once in awhile.
Life isn't just about being frugal, and it's good to enjoy yourself once in awhile. I treat myself to a latte once a week at my favorite coffee shop, and sometimes, when I'm feeling really crazy, I'll buy my favorite black ballpoint pens for school or get brand new white socks. It's a pretty exciting life!
9. Use your school’s discounts and student discounts!
Lots of stores will give you student discounts with your ID card. Make use of it while you can!
10. Compare and search for the best prices.
When you go to the grocery store, stay away from name brands and look for the generic kinds of soap and milk. Also, make sure to look at the price per ounce or pound because while buying larger amounts costs more money, it's often cheaper in the long run.
