"There's nothing broker than a college student!" As a child, I can hear my mother saying this like a broken record. I guess you could say I kind of knew what I was getting myself into when I went off to college, but not really. College is expensive, we all know that, but luckily, there are ways to help you save a few dollars or a few hundred here and there:
- Codes and Coupons
Whether you're online shopping or going to Target, codes and coupons are typically available. Sign up for e-mail subscriptions to your favorite stores to get access to special discounts if applicable. Keep your eye out on the mail to see if any newspapers include special coupons. My personal favorite is Target Cartwheel, an iPhone app that has special discounts on specific items in the store. I've saved a boatload of money using this. I would also advise signing up for Amazon Prime, which even has a special student discount.
- Borrow Clothing
Take advantage your friends' closets because this will save you so much money. I honestly rarely have time, let alone money to go shopping during the semester. It is so convenient to just run across the street to borrow a friends' shirt and vice versa. Just be sure to wash and give it back in a timely manner or else your friends will be reluctant to let you borrow again.
- Put your meal plan to use
Sometimes the dining hall doesn't sound too appetizing, but it is included in your tuition and you'll be charged for it regardless of if you use all the swipes. Try your very best to not eat out and spend money because food isn't an investment. To this day, my dad gets mad at how much I eat out because the money literally goes nowhere.
- Learn to color your hair yourself
Wait what?
Yes, I said it. Do your hair yourself. Every time you go to the salon to get your highlights done, that is $100-$200 out of pocket. I'm very picky with my hair color and I am usually very disappointed after I get it professionally colored. I watched a Youtube video and learned how to do my own highlights. It only costs me $8 for the box of color from Target whenever I need a touch up.
- Check out local yard sales
Don't run to IKEA every time you need a new piece of furniture. You'll save money and prevent a headache trying to assemble it. IKEA also isn't the best quality out there, so try hitting up a local yard sale to find a unique piece of furniture. You can usual find some neat stuff that may require some work, but in the end, it'll be worth it.
