- Wait until classes starts to buy your book
In college, professors will always tell you that the textbook is mandatory before classes start. So, you will go out and buy this $250 book,that you might never end up picking up or opening. To avoid this happening, wait until classes start to buy books. Once you are in a class, and see the syllabus and get to know the professor a little, you can usually figure out if buying the book will be worth it. This technique has saved so many college students, including myself, tons of money on books.
2. Buy used textbooks whenever possible
Think of buying books like car shopping. The new car is pretty, and looks awesome. Sometimes they are even easier to find than a used car. BUT, the used car is way cheaper, and still gets the job done. When it comes to buying books, you just need it to get the job done. Sure, it being brand new and pretty is nice, but if it saves you $100 to buy or rent it used, why not? This is a huge money saving tip for college, because those books really do add up!
3. Don't bring a car
Speaking of cars, DO NOT BRING ONE! Yes, you read that correctly. Leave your car at home. In most cases, wherever your college is located, there will be tons of public transportation available. Some campuses even provide transportation for students to certain places around campuses. Using public transportation will run way cheaper than buying a parking pass, paying for gas, paying for car insurance, and maintaining your car. Plus, friends are always willing to let you tag along to the store and such!
4. Buy in bulk
One of the best things that ever happened to me in college was getting a membership to Costco (well technically getting added to someone's membership, same thing). Buying your nonperishable items in bulk will save you a ton of money. These items will last you a long time, and they were priced way cheaper buying so many of them at once. On top of that, you don't have to worry about buying toilet paper as often which is a huge perk!
5. Use your student discount
Being a student is a discount! Just as the movies offer student discounts, plenty of other places do as well! Get online and look up what your college id will get you for cheaper. There are plenty of clothing places, restaurants, and more that accept it as a discount!
6. Always pay your bills on time
Lets face it, paying bills sucks. BUT, paying your bills on time avoids late fees which can be very expensive! If you can't afford to pay them on time, consider getting a budgeting app such as mint, to help you pay on time and avoid those large late fees that just take more of your hard earned money!
7. Don't go grocery shopping hungry (or thirsty)
NEVER go to the grocery store hungry or thirsty. This is a sure fire way to end up with a bunch of junk you did not need and probably still do not need. Going hungry will lead you to buy all kinds of snacks and other things you normally would not, same with being thirsty. Make sure you have a meal with something to drink before heading into the grocery store.
8. Skip the super expensive meal plan
When you are looking at meal plans, and comparing them to what you eat at home, there is a moment of freak out. You think you will need the largest, most expensive meal plan, truth is... you will not. You will still want to eat out with your friends, and you will get tired of the food and want your own snacks. To save money, get a smaller meal plan and then substitute it with your own food...plus buying food at the store is cheaper than the meal plan!
9. Consider becoming a Resident Adviser
Most schools offer the job of being a resident adviser. Although at first look this may not look that great, this usually comes with the perk of room and board being free! Not having to pay for living expenses can be a huge benefit and a way to save a lot of money.
10. Use more free services
When you are living at home, there are plenty of things you will find yourself paying for that you do not need to. You will have the premium version of Spotify, pay for Netflix and Hulu while having cable. Use free music, maybe share either a Netflix OR Hulu account with someone to split the cost. It will be good enough and save you a bunch of money in the end.
Do any of these tips sound like something that could help you? What is your favorite money saving tip? Leave it down below to grow our list!
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