If you're planning on pursuing a college education in the near future, than you're probably also planning on living on a tight budget. College is an awesome experience where you will mature and become independent, meet friends for life and hopefully leave ready to make it on your own in the real world. However, before you blow all your paycheck money at the mall or the bar with friends, read up on 10 easy ways to save your money in school.
1. Take advantage of student discounts
10% off at Topshop? 50% off Spotify? Once you start asking, you'll be surprised how many spots offer student discounts. You can save big on events, plays, concerts, apple products, clothing, food, haircuts, and more!
2. Order smart
One night out at your favorite restaurant with friends can easily turn into a 60$ check per person when you order appetizers, multiple drinks, entree, and a desert. Instead, be smart and think of your order ahead of time. If you get a big entree, get it split in two so you can eat the other half the next day for lunch. Split a desert with friends to save on money and calories. If you're going to drink a lot, plan to go during happy hour or choose a BYOB spot. There's nothing wrong with eating out with friends, just go about it in a smart way!
3. Get a part time job that benefits you
If your going to work a temporary part time job for some extra cash, than pick one that will also benefit you! Work at a restaurant for a free meal or a clothing store you like with a killer employee discount. I'm a vegan and working at a vegan restaurant, I always end up leaving my shifts with free cold pressed juices and food for the next day!
4. Only buy basics
Simplicity is key on a college budget wardrobe. Chances are your not buying super expensive clothes, so stick to neutral colors, and closet staples to save on money and also keep cheap clothes from looking cheap too.
5. Use your college gym
Actually using the gym your school provides is a great way to workout for free and make time for yourself. Also, you're not spending any money when you're at the gym, so think of all the money you're actually saving by working out instead of meeting up with friends or online shopping.
6. Grocery Shop
You don't have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen in your dorm building but picking up some healthy essentials will keep you from ordering delivery every other night. Pick up foods you can mix up like non-fat yogurt, granola, oatmeal, trail mix, protein bars, and almond milk.
7. Meal Prep
If you can at least tolerate cooking, than pick an hour a week (like a Sunday morning) where you meal prep meals for the week ahead. Cook up a week's worth of chicken, broccoli, and brown rice and put each serving in it's own Tupperware container. Then, you can just grab and go everyday.
8. Check out local events
Sure, tickets to a Beyonce concert would be bomb, but on a budget it's best to stick to smaller shows and events around you. Also, see what discounts your school offers for sporting events and plays in the area. If you live in NYC like I do, than check out TKTS for discounted broadway show tickets and Webster Hall for inexpensive concerts.
9. Find inexpensive places for beauty essentials
Haircuts? Nail salons? Tanning? Chances are there's a better deal out there than the one you're getting. Don't sacrifice quality but check out other spots to see if you can save a few bucks on your beauty routine.
10. Buy/book things in advance
If you and your girls are planning on going on vacay for Spring break than book everything in advance to save a lot of money! Concert tickets, flights, and vacation packages are all cheaper if you purchase months beforehand. Waiting till last minute will only cost you extra. Plus, you'll have enough time before the trip to save up for items you'll need to bring and plenty of spending money while you're there.
