With the holidays in full swing, finances are sure to be on everyone’s mind. Holiday travel, gifts, and meals are expensive, leaving many individuals looking for some ways to lower their expenses and offset the costs that are associated with December. This article explores some of the ways you can save money in college all year round.
1. Live off campus.
A lot of people don’t realize that on campus accommodations are often more expensive than off campus options. Do your research before you sign a lease with the school; check out rent prices for apartment complexes that are near campus and consider sharing a place with a friend.
2. Buy in bulk.
Almost everything is cheaper when you buy in bulk. Dry goods, frozen foods, and household items like toilet paper and cleaning products are all things you can buy in bulk without fear that they will spoil before you can use them. There are some things you can buy in bulk through Amazon, or you can shop at a local warehouse store like Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s.
The cost of a membership to shop at one of these stores can be a bit expensive, but you will ultimately save more money than you will spend on a membership. To offset the cost of your membership, consider sharing it with a friend or roommate— remember, each membership typically comes with two cards. Alternatively, you can split the membership four ways and choose a “shopping buddy” to share a card with.
3. Cook at home.
Saying goodbye to takeout and drive-throughs can save you a lot of money. It is extremely tempting to order a pizza or pick up Chinese food when you’re grappling with end of term exams and projects, but you should do your best to resist that temptation. At the end of the day, it is cheaper (and healthier) to buy ingredients and cook them yourself than it is to pay someone else for ingredients and the cost of their time.
4. Share textbooks.
If you have a friend you trust who is taking the same class as you, consider sharing a textbook and splitting the cost. You can work out study times between the two of you or you can take photos of different chapters for you to study from.
5. Walk to school.
This isn’t an option for everyone, but if you live close enough to campus, consider walking to and from your classes. You might be able to eliminate your need for a car at all, which would save you hundreds of dollars a month on gas and insurance.
6. Sell your old clothes.
I am definitely guilty of constantly bringing new clothes into my wardrobe and loosing interest in my outfits just as quickly. A great way to save money if you’re anything like me is by selling gently worn clothes through websites like Depop and using the proceeds to purchase new clothes.
7. Use your student discounts.
A lot of students don’t realize just how many restaurants and retail stores offer student discounts. Investigate the businesses around you and make sure that you are taking advantage of the price cuts you qualify for.
8. Buy plane tickets early— but not too early.
If you need to fly somewhere for the holidays or any other reason, you should start looking for your plane tickets approximately two months in advance. You want to beat the last minute hike up of prices and avoid the high costs associated with booking too far in advance.
Happy savings!
