As one of these struggling students...I get it. I felt like every dollar I earned should have been going to loans or savings, but that's just not realistic. So, here are some ways I saved some extra cash. Some of these might save you tens of dollars, others thousands. Either way it's a win-win.
1. Rent textbooks through websites
This one might seem obvious because most people already do rent textbooks, but most of the time they are still renting through their campus bookstore. This can still be expensive and I've found that for pricier textbooks, ordering online was significantly cheaper. I've ordered books from sites like Amazon or Alibirs with no issues. My campus bookstore was renting a used book I needed for $60 for one quarter...I bought the book off of Amazon for $12 and now I have it to keep, or sell back.
2. Student Discounts
They really do exist! Keep an eye out next time you stroll through the town your campus is in and you'll come across restaurants and stores that offer percentages off for University students with an ID! I also found that a bunch of popular clothing brands like TopShop and Banana Republic offer student discounts as well....use your student-ness advantages while they last!
3. Use Your Meal Plan
My personal most acquitted "saving money" crime. I know it's tempting..but don't order that GrubHub again for the fourth time this week! Everyone gets sick (perhaps disgusted) of their campus food and it's totally unrealistic to never order takeout, but set limits for yourself if you're spending too much on food. Remember, you have money for food waiting that you already had to pay for; use it.
4. University Services
Don't forget about the services your University offers. If your laptop or computer breaks, don't panic and run to the store before you've taken it to your University's geek squad. Some of your tuition money is probably going towards keeping services like this running, so utilize them.
5. Commute
If you're living distance from your University and your school allows it, commute for a year or even just a semester to save up a possible few thousand.
You're a student for a limited time only, so if there are deals already set aside for you as a student, try not to forget them. And about that food delivery order you're about to place, don't do it. You'll thank me later.
