Since my move-in day in August, everything I have ever took for granted has come to light. From a surplus of snacks, long, hot showers, or just having someone else do your laundry, everything has changed. Going to college makes you an adult quicker than you can imagine, but you still use your conniving ways to save money. All the money you save is strictly for books and school-related purchases, obviously. Here are six ways cash-strapped college students save money.
1. Generic-Brand EVERYTHING
Unless your parents come to visit you at school and offer to take you to the grocery store (which now is a privilege and not a right), you buy generic (store-brand) everything. So gone are the days you eat Froot Loops and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Cinnamon Swirls and Fruit Rings now sound pretty appetizing. (Let's be honest, the taste isn't that different, right?) You can bet your bottom dollar, which as a college student might be all that you have, that the sun will come out tomorrow, and you will be eating generic brand foods.
2. Gas Rewards
While saving your money at the local grocery store, most of the time you are racking up those gas rewards as well. God forbid you let that 30 cents off gas go to waste, you'll feel as though someone took money straight from your wallet and lit it on fire right in front of you.
3. Dodging Retail Food Prices
Let's be real here: At some point we have purchased food way below the list price. Whether that be when you go to weigh your fruit, print out the tag, and then throw in some extras, or when you buy candy in bulk and type in the code for the cheapest available candy the store offers, it's been done. Thank you, self-checkout for helping college students dodge paying full price.
4. Laundry
When you see your laundry basket starting to overflow, you realize it is time to go visit your parents. They may think it is sweet for you to come home and visit, but in reality, you just don't feel like digging out eight quarters in order to have clean clothes.
5. Mooching off Your Friends' Meal Swipes
For those of us who decided to not go with a meal plan, your friends become your savior especially around lunch time. The words "I'll swipe for you" sound more like a modern-day marriage proposal.
6. Saving the Earth or Saving Your Wallet?
Receiving mail is one of my favorite things personally, except for the electric bill that always seems to makes an appearance without fail. Every month, you and your roomies dread the number listed for your utilities. You finally understand your parents' constant nagging about shutting the lights off. (Sorry, mom and dad!) It's amazing how one number can make your whole house contemplate their daily activities. Candlelight dinner and shower for two, anyone?
Being a college student gives insight on what it is like to live in the "real world." Take a step back and realize that your parents did a lot to make your life so easy growing up. When it is time to have our own kids, we can start nagging about shutting the lights off and to not waste water. Just be prepared to wait 18 to 20 years until they comprehend why we nag like we will.
