Struggling with college expenses? Here are 10 simple strategies to keep more cash in your pocket:
- Make a simple budget
- Use student discounts
- Buy used textbooks
- Cook your own meals
- Choose cheaper housing
- Use free campus services
- Get a part-time job
- Cut travel costs
- Spend less on fun
- 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.
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Make a Simple Budget
Think of a budget as your money’s GPS. Here’s how to create one:
- List your income
- Track your spending for a month
- Split expenses into "needs" and "wants"
- 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:
- AMC Theaters: Lower ticket prices
- Spotify + Hulu + Showtime: $4.99/month
Food savings:
Travel for less:
- Amtrak: 15% off (ages 17-24)
- Greyhound and United Airlines: Lower rates
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:
- Plan your meals: Weekly menu, grocery list. Stick to it.
- Learn simple recipes: Easy, healthy stuff. Veggies, whole grains.
- Use leftovers: Cook extra, get creative.
- Buy smart: In-season or frozen produce. Cheaper.
- 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
- Use Student Universe for cheaper flights.
- Book flights mid-week to save about $75.
- 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.