Aside from checking your grades and GPA, the scariest thing about college may be checking your bank account. Between textbooks, food, rent, clothes, and unnecessary products from Amazon, college is filled with a plethora of expenses.

And now that November is here, the giving season is upon us. When you're home for the holidays, you want to give your mom that Pandora Bracelet, your dad those sports tickets, and your significant other his favorite cologne, but how? How can you save your bank account during this hectic time in your life?

It takes a lot of hard work and patience, but here are 13 simple tips that may help you save your wallet:

1. Write down your purchases.

This habit could get really annoying, which is all the more reason to follow through with it. I mean, you might have to write down a lot, but won't that make you more inclined to think twice before you buy? Sometimes, it gets hard to tell how much you're buying. You may think you're not spending much if you order some clothes here and there, but everything adds up after a while.

2. Remove your credit card information from your online accounts.

Online shopping can be really dangerous, especially if your credit card information is saved to your computer. Sometimes an online purchase can be made with just one click, which doesn't leave you with much time to think about what you're doing.

3. Go one week without treating yourself.

Sometimes you need little things to get you through your day or week. I know I'm definitely guilty of this. When it's a heavy test week and I have tons of meetings to go to, you'll most likely find me at Starbucks each morning. One week I even bought flowers for my room to cheer myself up. While little pick-me-ups are awesome in moderation, they're not the best option all the time. Try making your coffee at home, or going just a week without splurging on the little things.

4. Meal prep.

For my birthday this year, I received a Crock Pot as one of my gifts (that's how I know I'm getting old). But it's actually the best invention ever. Whether you want to invest in one or not is totally up to you, but planning your meals at the beginning of the week and making extra food to eat as leftovers can really save you time and money.

5. Download the "Honey" browser extension.

"Honey" is a free web browser extension that shows you all the available coupons and promotion codes when you're online shopping. (Side note, I'm pretty sure this website tracks your data or web history, but I guess it's worth it, right?)

6. Look for coupons and sales.

If you're running errands and shopping in stores, chances are you'll be able to find some printable coupons. Couponing isn't just for moms.

7. Avoid eating at restaurants.

When you're too lazy to cook dinner, or your friends want to catch up and grab a bite to eat, it's tempting to head downtown to your favorite restaurant. But again, everything adds up. First, you're ordering drinks, appetizers, food, maybe dessert, and then tipping. If your friends are all going out and you can't resist, eat before or order a water and a smaller dish. That way, you'll also have to tip less.

8. Unplug your lights and appliances.

Last month, my roommates and I were alarmed when we saw our electric bill. Once we became more conscious about turning off the lights, running the dish washer less, and taking shorter showers, we noticed just how far the smallest changes can go.

9. Shop at thrift stores or consignment shops.

In the fall and winter months, I could essentially live in oversized flannels and sweaters. And there's no better place to look than a consignment shop. They can be a hit or miss, but when they're good, they're unbeatable.

10. If need be, pick one: Spotify, Netflix, or Amazon Prime.

You know what they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. Personally, times would have to be really desperate in order for me to give up my favorite music or movie app. However, the good thing about Amazon Prime is that you get more perks for your money. You can watch movies, shows, download music, and get free two-day shipping on your orders. It's everything you need in one.

11. Buy the store brand, not the name brand.

Half of the time, name brand and store brand foods and medicines include the same ingredients. But if you're unsure, it's always best to do some research or call your doctor.

12. Borrow or rent rather than buy.

You know that formal event that you have coming up? You've been eyeing some cute shoes and a stunning dress, but honestly ask yourself: are you going to wear either of these again? There's no shame in borrowing clothes from your friends. The same concept goes for books, movies, and sports equipment. What if you never read that book again, or decide a certain sport isn't for you?

13. Set aside some of your paycheck.

Whether you're working hard or hardly working (but studying!), you never know when you'll need some extra money. And if you get checks in the mail for your birthday, resist the urge to go on a shopping spree, and think about how thankful you'll be months down the road when your savings account isn't empty.