Let’s face it, when you’re in college, you’re not exactly rolling in money. On average, a college student makes about $7.50 per hour at an on-campus job. So how do you go from the five-star life to the struggle of dorm rooms and ramen? Here are a few tips to help with the transition.
- Do your own nails. Oh my gosh. People do that? Yes. I do my own nails, and I’m not eating out of dumpsters at night, I promise. If you invest in some nail art brushes, an acrylic kit, or even just some glue-on nails, you’ll be saving upwards of $40 a month. YouTube tutorials and Sally Hanson are real wallet savers, I tell you.
Okay, maybe don't go this crazy. - Less eating out. I know this one can be hard. We eat out a lot here, and I know I’m going to have to cut back next week when I move in, but my pocketbook will be thankful. Even if you’re only running through the BK for a Whopper twice a week, you’ll be saving $10 every seven days. Ten times fifty-two equals a lot of money saved at the end of the year. Note: this does not include meal plans. Take advantage of those. Please.
- Start shopping smart. When you get to college, you aren’t going to have the funds to pay for a new Michael Kors purse once a month. You will quickly learn that TJ Maxx and consignment shops are your friends. If you have stuff in your closet that you aren’t wearing, sell it. If you just can’t get rid of that new purse itch, check out wholesale sites or buy a knockoff. I promise no one will know if you don’t tell. A cute purse doesn’t have to have an expensive brand name sewed on the inside.
One of these are real and one of these are fake. Can you tell which is which? Odds are most people can't. - Start drinking water. Again, another difficult one. I’m not saying give up soda completely, but cutting down will definitely benefit your bank account. If you cut down to one soda a day, you’ll be buying one case every two weeks, saving you about $7 a week. That’s over $350 a year.
- Walking, Biking, Shuttling. If you are bringing a car to campus, gas is obviously an expense you are going to have to factor in. You can lessen the blow of $2.59 a gallon by using your car as little as possible. If it’s within a reasonable walking distance, walk it. If you can easily bike there, do it. If the shuttle is running there, take it. Gas is a HUGE expense if you drive everywhere, especially if you drive a gas guzzler.
FINAL NOTE: It will get better. You won’t be broke forever; that’s why you’re going to college! You’ll eventually get your degree and (hopefully) find an amazing job, and then you’ll be thankful you spent four years of your life trying to count your change for a burrito in the cafeteria. Just remember to pace yourself when it comes to budgeting. Make sure you cover all your needs before your wants, and you’re on your way to being a successful adult by learning how to use your money.
