College isn't just a place, it's an experience that we are fortunate enough to be able to have. It's a time of friends, learning, discovering new things, exploring new places, taking risks...and expenses. Food, gas, tuition, textbooks, bills, necessities, the list of expenses can go on and on. If you're like me, you stress about the little money that you actually have hanging out in your bank account. Here are 10 ways to save a little bit of money here and there. In the long run, every penny counts!
1. Rent, borrow, buy cheap textbooks and utilize Buy Back
This one might be a no-brainer, but textbooks are pretty much a mandatory cost each semester of school. Do your research to find the best textbook options for you. Sometimes, buying a book off of Amazon might be cheaper than renting a book, or investing in a book that you can add to your personal library might be helpful once you get out into your first job. As a music education major, I usually rent my general education textbooks and buy my music textbooks to keep as a resource.
2. Apply for scholarships.
Another no-brainer, but there are so many scholarships that go without being awarded because nobody applied to them! Search for applications online or apply to some on campus. You never know what you might get until you try!
3. Use your student ID or student email for discounts.
Student ID cards and email addresses are a great tool for finding discounts at local stores or online. If your college is located in or around a small town, check out the local businesses to see if they offer any deals!
4. Use coupons and/or store membership cards.
Coupons are a great way to save a little bit of money on items you need to buy, remember that every penny counts! If your college is located near a grocery store or pharmacy, don't be afraid to sign up for a membership card that can get you great deals!
5. Keep a change jar.
You know how I keep saying "every penny counts," -- they do! Take out all that spare change from your car, jeans, and couch and put it in a neat little jar! Every once in a while, exchange the coins for money or keep some change for laundry!
6. Do laundry once a week.
Fortunately, I live on a campus where the laundry is free, but other schools might have you pay for laundry. Do laundry once a week, make the biggest (but safe) loads of laundry that you can, and use up that spare change!
7. Walk or bike whenever you can.
Save on gas money by walking or riding your bike to areas that are within a short distance. Saving money and getting those daily steps in, it's a win-win situation!
8. Enjoy activities on campus offered by organizations.
The Program Board at Shepherd does a wonderful job with planning free events on campus or discounted trips to baseball games, amusement parks, NYC, Philadelphia, and other fun places to explore! Take advantage of free or reduced-price fun!
9. Make a shopping list and stick to it.
Target is an entire world of opportunities and wonder...until you get home and realize you bought everything, but the one item you actually needed. Sticking to a shopping list can help you stick to a budget and cut out unnecessary costs.
10. Make big purchases wisely.
It's OK to splurge every once in awhile and reward yourself for all of your hard work (and saving), just make sure you are going to still be financially stable (and well fed) after making your big purchase!
