Being a student means living on a budget, but it definitely doesn’t need to mean deprivation. There are always ways to make your budget go further if you’re prepared to think outside the box, and we are here to give you a few tricks of the trade. From groceries to entertainment to transportation, read on if you want to know how to keep your money in check.
1. Cook at Home
Eating out is very expensive. Do not go to the takeout places or cafés. It is so much cheaper to cook by yourself at home, and it is a good thing to meal prep for several days to reduce your time and money. Moreover, you can learn to cook, which is a skill that will come in handy far beyond your student years. A trip to the grocery store is way less expensive than a daily jaunt to McDonald’s. Keep your pantry stocked with inexpensive staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods for different meals during the week.
2. Use Student Discounts
One of the greatest advantages of being a student is the range of offer discounts. You can get anything from clothing to movie tickets at a reduced price just by showing your student ID. It’s always worth asking for a discount if it is not advertised. Many companies also offer online discounts for students, so it’s worth checking out websites such as UNiDAYS or Student Beans for discounts on everything from tech gadgets to gym memberships.
3. Buy Used Textbooks
Textbooks are one of the most expensive things you’ll buy in college, but you don’t have to get them new. Instead of buying them from your campus bookstore, check out Amazon or Chegg. See if your university offers a textbook exchange program or books from the library reserves that you can borrow for free.
4. Share Streaming Subscriptions
Entertainment matters, but streaming services can get expensive. When possible, split the cost and subscribe to services with friends or family. Most streaming services, such as Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu, have multiple profiles per account, so you can split the cost for each.
5. Use Public Transportation or Walk
You might not have the money to own a car as a student. If at all possible, make use of public transport. Many universities have deals with free buses and trains. You can also save money by simply walking or biking around campus to keep fit and active. Taking the bus and carpooling or using ride-sharing apps like Uber are alternatives to driving.
6. Make a Budget and Stick to It
This one’s too obvious, right? Well, worth repeating anyway: Make a budget! Keep track of your income (scholarships, part-time jobs, etc.) and your expenses (rent, groceries, entertainment). Knowing where your money is going each month will help you to pinpoint where you can cut back. Stick to budgeting apps such as Mint or YNAB. You can mark a limit for your spending, have a clear vision of your savings habits, and track your budget live.
7. Take Advantage of Free Campus Resources
Almost always, universities offer a wide choice of facilities and services for free. Whether it’s access to a gym, counseling, or career advice, it’s worth checking out what’s provided on campus before spending your money. And there are often free workshops and events that offer a fun and educational experience for free.
8. Shop at Thrift Stores
When you can find the same clothes as at high end boutiques in second hand charity shops at a fraction of the price, why would you waste hundreds of dollars on new clothes? Thrift shopping is good for your bank account and the environment. You can get anything from clothes and shoes to household items and furniture for a bargain price. Plus, thrift shopping is an adventure – sometimes you stumble across real treasures!
9. Limit Impulse Purchases
It is easy to justify these purchases when they are only a couple of clicks or keystrokes away, but these small expenses all add up. Make a shopping list when you go to the store or want to purchase something online before succumbing to impulse buys. If you’re tempted to spend, give yourself 24 hours to think handout it. Of course, we don’t suggest cutting back on the stuff you need for your education. Just be smart about your choices. For example, you can find an affordable dissertation service and still be able to get academic help, even if your budget is tigt. There’s no need to cut out every handy thing or valuable experience – you just need to prioritize and limit yourself.
10. Look for Free or Cheap Entertainment
To have fun, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Your college may have free events, such as movie nights, concerts or other activities. You might also check to see if your town or city has free upcoming events, like a show at a nearby park, an event in one of the town’s museums that offers a student rate, or community events that don’t require a fee to enter.
Every Little Bit Counts
As a student, you don’t have to give up all of the fun to save money. There are a few things you can do to make your budget go further, such as cooking at home, taking public transport, and making full use of the resources available to you that don’t cost a thing. Try out these tips and see how far your budget can take you!
