I am going through a period in my life right now where I am living paycheck to paycheck and having trouble saving money. This list of ways to save money in college will not only hopefully help you, but it will also be reflective and I may take my own advice.
1. Buying your own food and cooking your own meals
I know that this can also be expensive on top of what college students pay for meal plans, but let's face it, the food on campus is not the most healthy and you will feel better after you have prepared your own meal. I am very good at cooking breakfast and lunch foods and I only have 5 meals a week. So, I will start my morning with cereal, oatmeal, eggs and toast or even a smoothie to get my morning going, followed by a sandwich with fruit and some carrots or chips. When I do get a meal on campus, I try to get a salad or soup with a protein.
2. Purchase only the essentials you need for personal items
In Huntington, we have Wal-Mart and that can get expensive if not used properly. I remember my freshman year, it seemed like I was going there every night and buying things I didn't even need. Even when I made a list, I wouldn't even follow it. I have found that the Dollar tree and Aldi stores are your thrift stores for college students on a budget.
3. Try to find things to do on campus
Almost every campus has something going on every night of the week or call your friends up and go hang in their dorm room and watch a movie or play video games. It would be more expensive if you went out to see a movie instead of pull up one of your favorite movies on DVD.
4. Watch the credit card, or just don't get one
Unfortunately, I have already fallen into this trap and am working very hard to pay off my card but if anybody is looking to get a credit card, get one with a low interest rate and charge only what you can afford and pay off on time.
5. Last but not least, don't buy new textbooks
Before even going online, ask your floormates or friends if they are selling a book that you need. Next, check Chegg or Amazon and rent unless you really need it for a long time and as a last resort, check out your campus bookstore.
