Being a poor college student is a commonality among many of us these days. We are constantly stretching paychecks to pay off loans, buy the few groceries we can and saving the rest for emergencies and such. I know I've struck it low in my bank account every now and then, so saving a few dollars with the items at thrift shops really helps out. Here are just five reasons why thrift shopping is the cooliest.

Yes, the cooliest.

1. It's so much cheaper.

You can find such good deals on anything and everything at a thrift shop. I have personally found items like a new pair of tights for 59 cents, or a Frank Sinatra record for $1.24, to a working music box for $4.

2. There is so much variety.

When I say this, I mean that there is a large variety of items in the store and there is a large variety in each department/section in the store. I swear thrift shops seem to have larger pant selections than your typical clothing store.

3. There can be real gems.

I believe in the saying, "One's man trash is another man's treasure." There are some of the coolest things. One time I found a dress that was very western styled, very Laura Ingalls Wilder-esque and it was the cutest thing ever. I wear it more often than not. My friend also recently found a Himalayan salt rock lamp. The lamp actually worked and we are like 50 percent sure that it could be a real Himalayan salt rock (we'd have to lick it, but that's not such a good idea).

4. You can come across some valuables that are worth some real $.

I'm pretty sure my mom and I came across a pretty expensive art piece, but we weren't 100 percent sure. I think that it probably was. The world may never know. But seriously, who knows? You could buy something from a thrift shop one day and stumble across something worth some real cash.

5. While you're browsing your most likely to find "childhood memories" items.

It is hilarious to see the things people donate. I love it. I see old toys that I had owned when I was younger or memorabilia/merchandise to old kids' movies and shows all the time. I enjoy reminiscing on my past, and the items in a thrift shop do that quite often.

While I may not have sold you on thrift shopping entirely, you should give it a try sometime. It's cool to see what you may come across. Now, be on your way and go try an adventure in thrifting,
my friends!