College students are notoriously broke. But we don't have to be.
These simple tips can be the difference between over-drafting your bank account and having extra spending money to, well, be a college student.
Make A Budget
A bar cover charge here, a girl's night out there, the water bill you forgot was due - expenses add up quickly. It is so important to budget your money and to get a basic idea of how much you are spending, especially if you have no source of income. Making a budget shows you where you need to cut back and how much you need to save for the important stuff like food and rent. Budgeting will benefit you in the long run.
Shop in your roommate's closet
Sharing clothes is the best way to get new outfits without actually spending money. My roommates and I "recycle" outfits, something they may wear one night will be the outfit I wear another night. And if you absolutely need to go shopping, ask yourself if you really need those cute pair of shoes (which you probably don't), and try shopping at inexpensive places like H&M and Forever 21. It is not hard to look cute while staying on a budget.
Textbooks
It happens every year- the shocked look all freshmen have when they go to the college bookstore and see the grand total for their textbooks. Sometimes colleges force you into buying textbooks that only the school makes (and you fight the urge to cry as you spend $200 on an accounting textbook which you know you will never use again). But from experience, your college bookstore is not always the best and cheapest option. There are plenty of other online websites that sell the same textbooks for close to 70% less! My personal favorite is Chegg, but you can also try Amazon or CampusBook Rentals. Look around before you buy!
Alcohol
We all know that this is the biggest bank account drainer. My advice, buy the cheap stuff and buy in bulk. Stocking up at the beginning of the semester will save you tons of money in the long run. A bottle of Vodka might cost you about the same as a night out at the bar. Pregame before you go out so you do not have to buy as many drinks at the bar. Also, drink where the specials are and take full advantage of happy hour!
Food
Schools accommodate students by offering several meal plan options that have already been paid for so take advantage of it! Avoid going out to eat every night of the week. And if you don't have a meal plan - you don't have to live off of fast food to cut your spending back. Learning how to cook for yourself is an awesome way to save money. Shopping at your local grocery store is cheaper and much healthier than eating fast food. I highly recommend Trader Joe's; I can get a months worth of groceries for under $100! And their food is organic! Can't go wrong with saving money and eating healthy.
Transportation
Carpool. Driving to campus, road tripping, making several grocery store runs - because you are the only one with a car - turns out to be a lot of driving and a lot of gas money. Having all of your friends chip in for gas money will save you, and them. It is much cheaper to all throw in $5 than to spend money on a ridiculously expensive cab. Also, many local shuttles provide free transportation if you show a valid student ID. And if you are fortunate enough to live close to campus, get a bike or a skateboard, or just walk to class.
Along with these suggestions, try getting a part time job. Local employers are usually very flexible with school schedules. Apply at a local retail store or at your favorite fro-yo place and make some easy extra spending money!
