More Tips for Saving in College
Get Organized
It might seem like a hassle, but saving receipts of everything you purchase -- from small items such as a candy bar or a CD, to big-ticket items like a new computer -- is a great way to monitor your spending habits. Try it out for a month. When your thirty days are up, add up all of your expenses and see where your money went. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to cut back on unnecessary spending.
Be Creative With Your Leisure Time
Everyone needs to unwind after studying, and college campuses typically offer all sorts of opportunities -- movie theaters, bars, cafes, arts centers, parks, downtown shopping centers, et cetera. Ask if any of these places offer student discounts. You can also think of alternative ways to have a good time. If you make the right choices and use a bit of creativity, you can have fun and save money at the same time. Plan a picnic in the park; make dinner for a date instead of going to a fancy restaurant; go for a bike ride around town; play Frisbee golf on campus. Any of these activities cost a fraction of the typical college experience and can be more fun.
 Photo courtesy of Dreamstime Put down the video game controllers, go outside and get some free fresh air. |
Find A Job
If you can fit it into your busy class schedule, a part-time job is a great way to bring in some extra income and give you some more flexibility with your spending. Waiting tables or delivering food can bring in great tips, and college-town restaurants are almost always looking for new help. A great way to earn some money and get some studying done is to work at your university's library. It's not a very demanding job and is usually quiet, so you can read for class and get paid at the same time.
 Photo courtesy of Dreamstime Choose a cell phone plan that works for you, and try to cut back on costly text messages. |
Get The Right Cell Phone Plan
It's difficult to get by without a cell phone today, but with a little research you can find an affordable plan that fits your needs. If they're up for it, join a family cell phone plan with your parents. It's usually much cheaper for everyone involved than having separate plans. If you're on your own, check out websites that offer side-by-side comparison charts of different cell phone plans. You should also avoid text messaging. Before you know it, you could rack up hundreds of dollars worth of texts when you could have communicated the same information for much less. Remember, phone companies charge both the sender and receiver of text messages, so let you friends know if you don't want them texting you five times every class. Send out e-mails or use free networking Web sites like Myspace or Facebook.
Smart Apartment Living
If you're not living in the dorms, split the rent with a few roommates. When thinking about appliances, see if your apartment complex provides a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, a microwave, and other handy accessories. If your parents or friends have any old appliances lying around, ask them if they'd be willing to part with them. Electricity, water and heating bills can be costly, so do your best to conserve -- turn off lights when you're not in the room, use as little water as possible by taking fast showers and use the A/C and heat sparingly.
Look Out For Scholarships
If you're applying for college right now or thinking about transferring to another school, it doesn't hurt to do some research on various types of financial aid provided by the school. Aside from the obvious chunk of cash you'll save in the long run, several scholarships offer all sorts of perks and benefits -- semester stipends, group trips, special access to useful resources, et cetera. If you're already enrolled but haven't received any aid, keep trying! If your grades are good and you show you mean business, many scholarship programs give you the opportunity to apply each semester.
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