10 Easy Ways to Save Money in College

Written By LaTisha  |  Budgeting & Saving  |  0 Comments

Struggling with college expenses? Here are 10 simple strategies to keep more cash in your pocket:

  1. Make a simple budget
  2. Use student discounts
  3. Buy used textbooks
  4. Cook your own meals
  5. Choose cheaper housing
  6. Use free campus services
  7. Get a part-time job
  8. Cut travel costs
  9. Spend less on fun
  10. Choose a good student bank account

Quick Comparison:

Strategy Potential Savings Effort Level
Budget Varies Low
Student discounts Up to 66% on some items Low
Used textbooks Up to 90% off Medium
Cooking meals $150/month Medium
Cheaper housing Varies High
Campus services Hundreds per semester Low
Part-time job $100-$600/week High
Cut travel costs $50-$200/month Medium
Free fun $50-$100/month Low
Smart banking $5-$15/month in fees Low

These tips can help you save thousands each year without sacrificing your college experience. Start with one or two strategies and build from there. Your future self will thank you for being smart with money now.

Make a Simple Budget

Think of a budget as your money’s GPS. Here’s how to create one:

  1. List your income
  2. Track your spending for a month
  3. Split expenses into "needs" and "wants"
  4. Set spending limits

Use this table to start:

Category Monthly Limit Actual Spending
Rent $ $
Food $ $
Books $ $
Fun $ $

Pro tip: Try a free budgeting app like Mint or the Young Finances budget printable.

Review and adjust your budget monthly. The goal? Spend less than you earn and save the rest.

"Students spend an average of $547 per month on food."

Cook more at home and you could cut this in half. That’s hundreds saved each semester.

Budgeting now sets you up for financial success after college. It’s a skill that keeps on giving.

2. Use Student Discounts

Your student ID is a money-saving superpower. Here’s how to use it:

Ask everywhere: Many places have student discounts but don’t shout about it. Always ask, "Got a student discount?"

Tech deals:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: 66% off
  • Apple: Special Mac and iPad pricing
  • Microsoft: Half off Office 365 Personal

Cheaper fun:

Food savings:

  • Arby’s and Dunkin’: Up to 10% off (some spots)
  • DoorDash: Student DashPass $4.99/month

Travel for less:

Prove you’re a student: Use UNiDAYS or ID.me for loads of brand discounts.

What How Much You Save
Adobe Creative Cloud 66% off
DoorDash Student DashPass $4.99/month
Amtrak (ages 17-24) 15% off
J.Crew 15% off

Small savings add up. A 10% discount here and there can mean hundreds saved over a semester.

"The National Retail Federation says back-to-college spending will hit $86.6 billion in 2024. College students and their families will spend about $1,365 on back-to-school stuff."

3. Buy Used Textbooks

Textbooks can drain your wallet. But here’s a secret: used books can save you a ton.

Want the best deals? Here’s how:

Go online: AbeBooks, Amazon, and Chegg offer massive discounts. We’re talking up to 90% off in some cases.

Compare prices: Use BookScouter or CampusBooks to find the lowest price across sellers.

Act fast: The best deals vanish quickly. Buy as soon as you know what you need.

Consider older editions: Ask your prof if an older version works. They’re often WAY cheaper.

Rent if you can: Short-term need? Renting might be your best bet.

Website Max Savings Perks
AbeBooks 75% off Free shipping on many books
Amazon 90% off Free 2-day shipping (Prime Student)
Chegg 90% off 21-day returns

Sell when done: Recoup some cash by selling to the campus bookstore, online, or to other students.

"CampusBooks.com is my go-to every semester. The money I’ve saved? It’s insane!" – Andy G., Business Major, FIU

Remember: Buy early, compare prices, and don’t be afraid of used books. Your wallet will thank you.

4. Make Your Own Meals

Eating out? It’s a wallet killer. The fix? Cook at home. It’s cheaper and healthier.

Here’s the scoop: College students blow $410 a month eating off-campus. Cooking at home? Just $260. You do the math.

Ready to start? Try these:

  1. Plan your meals: Weekly menu, grocery list. Stick to it.
  2. Learn simple recipes: Easy, healthy stuff. Veggies, whole grains.
  3. Use leftovers: Cook extra, get creative.
  4. Buy smart: In-season or frozen produce. Cheaper.
  5. Try "Meatless Mondays": Skip meat once a week. Save cash.
Meal Type Average Cost
Eating Out $410/month
Cooking at Home $260/month
Potential Savings $150/month

Even in a dorm room, you can cook. Got a microwave? You’re set. Try these:

  • DIY Ramen: Instant noodles + frozen veggies.
  • Mini Burgers: Bread crusts = sliders.
  • Egg-Topped Avocado Toast: Quick, filling, nutritious.

"I started making these mini burgers to use up bread crusts in my freezer. They’re delicious." – Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont

5. Pick Cheaper Housing

Housing can be a budget-buster. Here’s how to save:

On-campus vs. off-campus: Don’t assume off-campus is cheaper. At George Mason University, on-campus costs $13,120/year, while off-campus estimates hit $13,774.

Dorm choices matter: At Florida State University, first-year students pay $5,990 for basic housing. Add a meal plan? That’s $9,988 minimum.

Smart options:

  • Live at home if possible
  • Share with roommates
  • Look further from campus

Skip the frills: Student apartments often cost more. One student found a "super nice" place for under $600 at Leah Townhomes.

Start early: Good deals vanish fast. Begin your search up to a year ahead.

"Think about what you can afford and what you can’t." – Lisa Ortiz, Housing Director at Ferris State University

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6. Use Free Campus Services

College campuses are packed with free services that can save you big bucks. Here’s how to cash in:

Academic Support Hit up the Academic Success Center for free tutoring in tough subjects. Need a quiet spot to study? The library’s got you covered, plus free access to online databases.

Health and Wellness Got the sniffles? Campus health center’s your go-to for basic medical care. Feeling stressed? Low-cost counseling services have your back.

Career Development Polish that resume at the career center. They’ll even help you hunt for jobs. Bonus: free workshops to nail those interviews.

Fitness and Recreation Swipe that student ID and hit the campus gym. Or join a free fitness class to sweat it out with friends.

Tech Perks Score free Microsoft Office 365 with your college email. Need to print? Campus computer labs are your new best friend.

Food and Freebies Struggling with groceries? Check out the campus food pantry. And keep an eye out for campus events – free food alert!

"I milked those campus services for all they were worth. Got emergency funding to fix my busted phone screen. There’s tons of financial aid and scholarships for activities and events. My advice? Apply for EVERYTHING – even if you think you don’t qualify." – Ivy, Yale University

Remember: These services are there for YOU. Don’t be shy – use ’em and save!

7. Get a Part-Time Job

Want extra cash while studying? A part-time job’s your answer. Here’s how:

On-Campus Jobs

Your campus is a goldmine of opportunities:

Job Pay (per hour) Perks
Writing Tutor Up to $30 Flexible hours, skill-building
IT Technician Up to $25 Tech experience, campus connections
Administrative Assistant Up to $20 Office skills, networking with professors
Campus Tour Guide Up to $20 Public speaking practice, campus knowledge

These jobs often pay well and fit your schedule. No commute needed!

Off-Campus Options

Looking beyond campus?

  • Restaurant Server: $19/hour median pay (May 2021), plus tips
  • Delivery Driver: Flexible hours, potential tips
  • Babysitter/Nanny: Set your rates and hours

Work-Study Balance

1. Start small: 10-15 hours a week

2. Talk to your boss: Heads up about exams or big projects

3. Use a calendar: Plan everything

4. School first: Don’t overdo it

"Whether or not to get a job during college is a decision only you can make." – BestColleges

Feeling swamped? It’s okay to cut back or switch jobs.

Pro Tip: Find a job that fits your major. Science student? Try being a lab assistant. Future teacher? Consider tutoring.

8. Cut Travel Costs

Smart travel choices can save you big bucks. Here’s how:

Public Transport Discounts

Many colleges offer student discounts on local transit. Check these out:

Transit System Student Discount
BATA Bus 50% off with student ID
NJ TRANSIT 25% off monthly passes

Tip: Apply early. NJ TRANSIT needs you to enroll by the 10th for next month’s pass.

Bike Sharing

90+ US universities have bike-sharing programs. It’s cheap and keeps you fit. Ohio State University’s program, launched in 2015, offers:

  • Daily pass: $6
  • Annual membership: Up to $75

Compare that to $150+ per semester for parking. The math speaks for itself.

Carpooling

Split gas costs with classmates. Use Gas Buddy to find cheap fuel. Some schools even offer special parking for carpoolers.

Walking and Biking

For short trips, use your legs. It’s free, healthy, and often faster than driving.

Long-Distance Travel Hacks

  1. Use Student Universe for cheaper flights.
  2. Book flights mid-week to save about $75.
  3. Pack light. Skipping checked bags can save you $60 round trip.

9. Spend Less on Fun

College life can be a blast without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

Campus Events

Your college probably offers tons of free or cheap stuff to do. Look for:

  • Canvas painting nights
  • Outdoor movie screenings
  • Game tournaments
  • Student band concerts

DIY Entertainment

Get creative with these ideas:

1. Game Night

Host a game night. Borrow games from dorms or use what you have. Spice it up:

  • Pick a theme (mystery games, party games)
  • Ask friends to bring snacks
  • Create team challenges

2. Movie Marathon

Skip the cinema. Many college libraries offer free movie rentals. Pick a genre or director and make it an event.

3. Cooking Challenges

Try a "Ramen cook-off" with friends. It’s cheap, fun, and you might discover a new go-to recipe.

Outdoor Activities

Free outdoor options are everywhere:

  • Hike in local parks
  • Organize a group bike ride
  • Have a picnic on campus

Student Discounts

Don’t miss out on student-specific deals:

Service Student Price Regular Price Savings
Spotify Premium (includes Hulu) $6/month $18/month $12/month
Hulu $2/month $8/month $6/month
Paramount Plus $4.50/month $5.99/month $1.49/month

Use your .edu email to snag these deals.

10. Choose a Good Student Bank Account

Picking the right bank account can save you money. Here’s what to look for:

No Fees and Low Minimums Many banks offer fee-free accounts for students. Chase College Checking has no monthly fee for up to 5 years in college and no minimum deposit. Bank of America waives fees for students under 25.

ATMs and Overdraft Pick a bank with lots of ATMs near campus. Some accounts, like Discover’s Cashback Debit, don’t charge overdraft fees.

Perks Some accounts offer extras:

Account Perk
Discover Cashback Debit 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit purchases monthly
Ally Bank Spending Account Earns interest on balances

Digital Tools Make sure your account has good online and mobile banking.

To apply, you’ll need to be at least 17 and show proof you’re a student.

Wrap-up

Saving money in college isn’t rocket science. Use these tips to keep more cash without missing out on the college experience.

Here’s a quick recap:

Tip Benefit
Budget Track money in and out
Student discounts Pay less for stuff
Used textbooks Save big on books
Cook meals Cut food costs
Cheaper housing Lower biggest expense
Campus services Free resources
Part-time job More income
Cut travel costs Save on getting around
Free fun Spend less on entertainment
Smart banking Avoid fees, get perks

Small changes add up. Saving just $20 a week? That’s $1,040 extra per year.

Start small. Pick one or two tips. Add more as you go. Soon, you’ll be a money-saving pro.

Don’t put it off. The earlier you start, the more you’ll have at graduation. Your future self will high-five you for being smart with money now.

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