As college students, we are notorious for being cheap and taking advantage of free food at every possible opportunity. However, when 99% of your money is going to your college education, that 1% can be really difficult to use for everything else in your life. It is a constant struggle of deciding whether you should buy that graphing calculator for class or groceries for the next couple of weeks. And suddenly the store brand food tastes better and clothes are much cuter when they are on the clearance rack. However, there are plenty of ways to save money and get creative with the things you have available to you on campus. So, here are some ways to make use of every last penny of that tuition money:
1. When you run out of toilet paper
Just used the last piece of toilet paper in your room? No problem! Use the leftover cardboard roll and go to one of the public bathrooms in your dorm and roll the toilet paper from one of the full rolls onto your roll. If you're really dedicated you could go the whole year without buying another roll of toilet paper and save some major ca$h.
2. The cheapest flatscreen TV you'll ever find
You don't need to buy a TV! All you need is two hooks and some string, and you can watch Netflix or Youtube videos from your bed without having to keep a bulky laptop on your lap. You can also scroll through Instagram at night without the awkward position of your arms or the threat of dropping your phone on your face.
3. The tortilla plate
Ain't nobody got time for dishes. Plus when you're done you can eat the plate!
4. File your clothes
This saves so much room and makes it so much easier to see all your clothes at once.
5. DIY cereal bowl
When you get to the end of the cereal just pour in some milk and grab a spoon. Voilà, you have a bowl of cereal. And, again, less dishes to wash.
6. DIY Shower Shoes
For the real money $avers out there.
7. When you get to the end of the peanut butter jar
Don't throw out that empty peanut butter jar! Put some oatmeal, cereal, or ice cream in it to use up the last bit of peanut butter that you can't quite get to. (And, again, no dishes!)
8. Pen chip clip
No chip clip? No problem.
9. Dryer sheet + fan= air freshener
Look at me now, Airwick!
10. Desk shelf or table?
If you have a shelf attached to the top of your desk, you can take it off and use it as a table (or for toilet paper storage).
11. Ice pop ice pack
Calling all athletes! We all have those nights after practice when we're too sore to walk to the library. And if you're in a college dorm there is a 90% chance that there are ice pops in the freezer. Plus, you can eat one to help take away the pain.
