As August starts dwindling away, so do the days left of summer break. Before we know it we'll all be piling up our cars and heading back to campus. We all know preparing to go back to school can be incredibly expensive between school supplies, furniture, decorations, clothes, etc. You name it, you'll probably have to buy at least one (or all). Heading into my third year of college, I've finally figured out how to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to getting everything I need for school. Follow the tips below to save some money!
1. Get your textbooks early.
Buying textbooks is the bane of my existence. However, typically, the earlier you buy them the cheaper they are. I've found it's best to buy them throughout the summer, depending on how many classes I'm taking and how many books they need, I try to buy books for two classes each month. Unless you have that one dreaded class that feels the need to require six books (why professor, why do you hate me?), then I try to get that one out of the way pretty early. You should also check out websites like helpsavemydollars.com -- it's life changing. Seriously. You put in your ISBN and it'll compare the prices from a bunch of different retailers to tell you where the cheapest place to get the book.
2. Take advantage of sales.
3. Coupons, coupons, coupons!
Now I don't mean go crazy and fill a spare bedroom with boxes of cereal and soap (though hey, more power to you if you're capable of couponing to that extreme). Saving a few extra dollars here and there on things you're already buying really adds up over time. Download the Kroger app and you don't even have to print them out: just load them to your Plus Card and you're set!
4. Eat out less.
Trust me, if I could I'd probably eat Chipotle all week long. Unfortunately, then my stomach and my wallet would hate me. Once I realized how much of my paycheck was going toward eating out I realized I needed to get my life together and actually start using my kitchen. You by no means have to be a pro chef-- Google some easy, cheap recipes and make enough to store a few meals in the fridge. Not only is it convenient to not have to cook after a long day of class, but the money you're saving will add up very quickly.
5. Sell your old stuff.
Chances are if you haven't worn that shirt in two years, you're not going to. I'm a pro at talking myself into keeping things, like all of my prom dresses--Hey, maybe one day I'll have a fancy gala to attend!-- when in fact they're doing nothing but taking up space. Go through your clothes, books; everything. Sell what you can and donate the rest. You can make a decent amount of money off of clothes you don't wear anymore, and you'll appreciate the lack of clutter afterwards.
6. Make a budget- and stick to it.
7. Take advantage of home cooked meals.
8. Be thrifty.
You don't have to spend $600 on a brand new couch that likely won't make it through college. Check out yard sales, dollar stores, etc. You can get pretty much everything you need for your kitchen at the dollar store for under $20 versus $150 somewhere else. Always be wary of buying used furniture, but ask around and chances are someone you know, knows someone who's willing to part with something on the cheap side or even for free. I furnished my entire apartment for about $50, you've just got to ask around!
9. Don't buy things you don't need.
For instance, Target is, like, magic. I can't tell you the last time that I went in there and didn't leave with at least five things I didn't even remotely need. Not to mention I normally forget what I went there for in the first place. If there's any store to watch out for when you're back to school shopping, it's Target. They may have some great deals but you're destined to leave spending way more than you needed to and before you know it you have a junk drawer full of things that you'll never use.
College is expensive enough as it is, don't waste all of your money of the extras! Be smart, budget, and before you know it you'll actually have more than $5 in your bank account again.
