In this day and age, one of the most widely known things with college students is that generally, we’re all pretty damn broke. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who has their mommy and daddy wrapped around your finger enough for them to be dropping dollars into your bank account every time you ask, you’re probably struggling to keep any money at all in the bank. Even if you have a job (or two, or three, or more!), on campus or off that makes you some money to live on, it’s usually not enough since you have to somehow balance school, work, and your social life.
So how the hell are we expected to save any money, right? I’ve asked myself that same question so many times in the past, but now I know some answers to that question thankfully. Lucky for you, I’m here to share some of my tips and tricks to saving money in college – basically making the impossible, possible. You’re welcome (in the Sadie Saxton voice, of course).
1. The Five Dollar Rule.
Every time you get a five dollar bill, put it aside. Whether that’s heading over to the bank and depositing it into your bank account or putting it somewhere safe like a lock box, put it somewhere you’re not going to just dip into. You’ll be surprised how quickly the money piles up and how quickly you’re actually saving a decent amount of money.
2. Sell your old clothes and other things that you really don’t need anymore.
There are plenty of websites and apps that give you easy access to uploading your items so that other people who are interested in them can actually go ahead and purchase them. Currently for the ladies my favorite app is called Vinted, which is an app dedicated to helping girls buy and sell their clothing. It takes a percentage of what you sell but it’s so easy to use that I feel like it’s worth it. Throw up a couple of old shirts that you don’t wear anymore or a dress you wore to formal one time and you know you’ll never wear again, and wait for someone to be interested in it! There’s also an app called Close5, where you can upload whatever you want and you don’t even have to worry about shipping things because they’ll come to your house/dorm to pick them up! Quick way to make a couple of extra bucks that you can save for a rainy day (or the next time you need to hit the bar).
3. Find out which stores have student discounts and always take advantage of them. More often than not, stores and restaurants have student discounts just like they have early bird specials or senior discounts for the elderly. The thing is, they don’t advertise them because they don’t really want students to take advantage of them, mostly because they want to make the most money they possibly can. Google student discounts and I swear you’ll come up with a ton to save you a few extra bucks.
4. Take advantage of your meal plan.
Yes, I know that Sodexo doesn’t have the best food selection, but the fact is you’re already paying for it, so you might as well use it. I know the majority of people burn through their declining dollars within the first month, but really try to savor those $300+ and eat in the dining hall as much as possible. If you’re in Higgins it’s a little different, but still – make those one thousand declining dollars go a long way if you can! If you have the unlimited plan, eat most meals in the dining hall, take advantage of to-go containers, and refill your water bottle with something before you leave so you don’t have to purchase another drink.
