College students are an easy target for companies. They are willing to spend, in need of convenience, and usually don't take long to debate alternatives. So, stop being an easy target, and check out these saving tips.
1. Ditch the drink machine.
One bottle of water is $1.25 in a drink machine. I typically drink two bottles of water a day during classes, so that's a grand total of $2.50/day in water JUST DURING CLASSES. If I would bring my own bottles of water, I'd spend $4 on a 30 pack, which means each bottle is just under $.13! That's a 90% savings with just one case! The savings are just as drastic with your other favorites: sodas, energy drinks, bottled cold coffee, sports drinks...buying cases/packs at a grocery store is by far the cheaper option.
2. Check where and when you buy gas.
While running your gauge down to below E and stopping at the closest store may make you feel like you're saving money, you're actually losing money. Keep your tank above a quarter full, that way you don't run out and possibly end up dishing out more cash. Plus you don't have to have constant anxiety attacks about how many miles you are to E. Also, filling up at big name gas stations in the middle of town are usually much cheaper than convenience stores, especially if they're on the outskirts of the city.
3. If you eat out a lot, eat cheap.
You seriously don't need Olive Garden and Longhorn every other night. Shoot for the places that give you more bang for your buck like all-you-can-eat buffets, Cracker Barrel, and, a Statesboro staple, Cookout.
4. Take advantage of college student discounts.
Free, free, free! Cheap, cheap, cheap! Companies still want college students as part of their consumer party, so they'll do nearly anything to keep them around. Some companies have college days when they offer free or discounted things to students. Amazon gives college students free Prime for 6 months, then 50% off ($50 savings) a year! Apple Music cuts their monthly charge by 5 bucks with a .edu email (that's a total of $60 a year). Photoshop offers a huge discount for art students. Nearly any place you go has a discount or perk for college kids, so take advantage of it!
5. Discount cards!
Different organizations offer discount cards from sponsors. They typically include 10-30 companies that will give you a discount just for buying the card. The discounts are good for restaurants, gym memberships, car maintenance, health services, and everything in between. Check out your school's student government and booster club, if that fails, check out local high schools' booster clubs!
6. Stick with your electronics.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke, right? So what if your phone is outdated and your laptop has a small crack in the screen? No one cares. If it works and it isn't causing you to struggle, don't worry about breaking the bank just to upgrade.
7. Stay in more.
Netflix is cheaper than going to the movies one time a week. Hanging out with your friends at home is cheaper than burning gas to go to a party. Just having a nice, quiet night in is good for your health and your wallet!
8. Cut back on the junk food.
Buy more meals than you buy snacks. If you eat nutritious, filling meals, you won't need to have a variety pack of snacks. Plus, "real food" keeps you full for much, much less.
9. Stop borrowing money.
Bumming a buck for lunch because you forgot to bring cash is fine, but relying on someone to support you every time you go broke is not good. You'll end up in debt to everyone you know, and they'll ditch you when you need the cash the most. Do it on your own, and own it!
