1. Don’t go to that restaurant.

You know what I’m talking about. Your friends are all ready to splurge and check out that new restaurant that opened down the street. And if you must go, order a small appetizer or split a full priced meal with a friend. That way you only spend for the food you eat because we all know chances of you eating those leftovers are slim. That and you have a meal plan. USE IT!

2. You don’t need that new shirt.

Having this freedom in college to buy whatever you want is awesome. Except it can be touch when you are going through a store and you see a super cute top that is waaaay out of your price range. Instead of hitting up that Urban Outfitters, check out a thrift store. The clothes are cute or able to be accessorized in a cute way, plus they are cheap!

3. Make food in your room.

You know you have a ton of snacks just stashed under your bed that your mom bought you before you moved in. Chances are you barely touched it because you have been eating out or using all your food plan money on snacks, but why waste that money that could be used for more meals when you need it when you have snacks in your room? That microwave Velveeta Mac and Cheese is actually pretty good, so why not eat it?

4. Know your money limits.

Give yourself a budget. I know that is more difficult, but it is possible. Set aside a certain amount of money a week to spend on something fun or a special treat. Save the rest of it to pay for tuition, for a rainy day, and for in the case of an emergency. I know it’s tough not to splurge when all your friends are, but you have to be tough. It will be worth it. Besides, with all the free events that schools have, there are plenty of ways to get free shirts, merch, food, etc. so why waste money buying that stuff when you could get it for free!

5. Spend nights in.

Some of the best nights in college are the nights spent in the dorms with your friends. You play some music and talk the night away or pop on a movie on Netflix and laugh together. While college can is the time to have fun and do stupid things, doing stupid things with your money could be a dangerous method of fun that will lead to bad money spending habits. Just chilling with your friends in your room, eating the snacks you all brought with you, is a free way to enjoy the night. And we all know that free is always better.