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Student Life

7 Money Tips For The Broke College Student

We're all ballin' on a budget. Here are 7 easy ways to save some cash!

Alexis Eichelberger

Sep 06, 2016

Ohio University

7 Money Tips For The Broke College Student

It's no secret that college takes a major toll on the bank account, and the combination of homework, clubs, Greek life and countless other activities can leave little time for a job. Here are easy ways to save a little extra money while in college.

1. Keep a change jar.

It's like a piggy bank for grown-ups! Drop the extra change left in your pocket in a safe place every day and exchange it for cash every few months. It's AMAZING how much money a few quarters and dimes each day can add up to!

2. STUDENT DISCOUNTS.

There are student discounts available for basically everything. Ordering food? Student discount. Online shopping for a date party dress? Student discount. Going out to a movie this weekend? Student discount. Here is a really great list of over 100 student discounts for a variety of places.

3. Beware of the university book stores.

Chances are you'll be paying way more there than you will online. Opt for renting used textbooks or buying the e-version from places like Amazon, Chegg or eCampus. You might have to search for the best deal, but it could save you tons of money.

4. Take advantage of FREE FOOD.

There are CONSTANTLY events happening on campus that feature free food. Take advantage of that. Free food is the best food.

5. Ditch the car.

Between paying for parking and buying gas, the cost of keeping a car at college can often outweigh the benefits. Take the bus when possible, carpool with friends, and beg your parents to come pick you up when necessary.

6. Stay in and save.

Going out is all fun and games until you check your bank account the next day. Instead of heading to the bar on Friday night, check out what's happening on campus. Chances are, your school, residence hall or a student organization is hosting a free movie screening, game night or something of the like.

7. Keep looking and applying for scholarships.

No, the madness did not end after your senior year of high school. As tedious as those essays might be, they pay off. Stay updated on opportunities within your school, community and look online.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

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One staple of the Christmas season is sitting around the television watching a Christmas movie with family and friends. But of the seemingly hundreds of movies, which one is the star on the tree? Some share stories of Santa to children ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), others want to spread the Christmas joy to adults ("It's a Wonderful Life"), and a select few are made to get laughs ("Elf"). All good movies, but merely ornaments on the Christmas tree of the best movies. What tops the tree is a movie that bridges the gap between these three movies, and makes it a great watch for anyone who chooses to watch it. Enter the timeless Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story." Created in 1983, this movie holds the tradition of capturing both young and old eyes for 24 straight hours on its Christmas Day marathon. It gets the most coverage out of all holiday movies, but the sheer amount of times it's on television does not make it the greatest. Why is it,
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Recommended for you

7 Money Tips For The Broke College Student

We're all ballin' on a budget. Here are 7 easy ways to save some cash!

1. Keep a change jar.

2. STUDENT DISCOUNTS.

3. Beware of the university book stores.

4. Take advantage of FREE FOOD.

5. Ditch the car.

6. Stay in and save.

7. Keep looking and applying for scholarships.

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For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

28. I need a comfort dog so I can avoid all life and school responsibilities.

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

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