We've all been there; when the inevitable, "Why don't we go eat somewhere off campus?" question pops up in conversation with you and your friends, as you discuss what to do, it's almost as if you can hear your wallet cringing at the very thought of spending money. That cash your parents gave you to spend on textbooks? Yeah, it went towards the purchase of large quantities of off-campus gourmet meals over the last few weeks. That tuition payment you still owe? I guess you'll just have to explain to the cashiers office that those boots were indeed calling your name. College is a place where teenagers grow into their young-adult counterparts, and where you discover how difficult saving money really is in the real world. Making excuses as to why you don't have the money to pay your bills is not going to make the bills disappear. In college, there are going to be a large quantity of different things you can do that drain your wallet, in a matter of seconds, and very few people realize how much money they are wasting on an everyday basis. However, saving money in college isn’t some grand dream only achievable by the dedicated; it really only requires some self-discipline and understanding of your own personal financial status.

Use College To Your Advantage

You will receive a multitude of free things on a daily basis as a college student, whether you realize it or not. Whether its discounts on Amazon Prime, free lunches hosted by your residence hall, or anything in between, you have a variety of resources available to you free of charge. Take advantage of them and use them to lower your expenses and costs throughout the school year.

Be Careful With Credit Cards

You are already attending a university that will more than likely leave you with debt after you graduate. Why tack on more debt by excessively using a credit card? Of course, you should have at least one credit card and purchase small things that you have the money for in order to build your credit. However, if you cannot afford some of the bigger purchases in your life at the moment, and it's not a necessity, then don’t spend money you don’t have. It seems simple, but sometimes can be overlooked by those who just can’t seem to wait to buy what they want.

Set Up A Budget

This may seem the most complicated item on the list, but in reality, it isn’t. You know how much money you’ll receive a semester, you know how much your bills will cost, and you know how much money you really have to spend on "outside" expenses. By keeping track and setting a limit on how much you can spend outside your primary expenses, you’ll be able to stop yourself before you go over-budget and prevent taking on any unneeded loans. Because no one wants debt on their debt.

Find An On-Campus Job

This is easier said than done, of course. The on-campus job demand is remarkably high, and you won’t always be able to secure a position. However, don’t give up if your first few attempts don’t work out. Make sure to use the Careers@USF website to keep updated about on-campus job opportunities and how you can apply. An on-campus job is convenient, allows you to give back to the community, and most importantly allows you to start paying off some of that debt you're accumulating while attending college. If on-campus isn’t working out, make sure to apply to positions off campus as well if you have the transportation available.

Learn To Say No

This is the most important aspect of saving money. Your friends, who seemingly have an eternal well of wealth in their back pockets, will continuously want to go out and do things that you really can’t do financially. It isn’t exactly fun to be that guy or girl in the group who has to say no to a night out, or no to eating off campus, but that’s just a part of growing up and realizing what you can and cannot do. If you're barely making enough to get by on your tuition, don’t add on to it. Sure, eating at the dining hall today may not be as great as going to Chipotle with your friends, but if it saves you money that could be valuable in the future then you're doing the right thing.

Remember What You're Here For

While students may often forget that college isn’t an unending fun parade where you go out every night and everything is "free" as long as you have a credit card, remember the real reason you're attending college. It’s to learn. Education, if it isn’t already, needs to be your first priority. While spending money and going out is fun in its own right, the debt you will accrue due to this lifestyle after college is going to make things much more difficult than they need to be. Remember your limits, and remember your true aspirations and dreams when coming to college, because while others may forget theirs, the first true sign of growing up is finally understanding where your priorities lie.