It’s not news that attending college is expensive these days. However, the cost of higher education goes far beyond tuition and fees. Apart from this, young people must deal with on-campus or rented accommodation, books, meals, transportation, and many other expenses.
According to recent research, the number of working students now stands at 59%. However, only a small share of them can handle a full-time job. The majority of young people make a living from part-time jobs and side hustles, with a big percentage of students still depending on their parents.
Given everything stated above, it becomes clear that the biggest part of college students are still living on a tight budget. So the ability to budget wisely and save money becomes more and more crucial for them. So if that sounds like you, read on, and we will tell you about eight smart ways to start saving while in college!
1.Start a Side Hustle
It might not sound like an obvious saving tip, but starting a side hustle or getting a part-time job will actually help you save more while also earning more. First of all, if you have a job or a side hustle, you will gain an income. At the same time, it will keep you busy during your spare time, so you will not be spending as much. There are infinite opportunities for students to start making money in college. But be ready that doing a part-time job or a side hustle can get in the way of your studies. So be sure to have a reliable paper writer or an academic writing service to do my essay online to be able to balance your job with studying.
2.Cook Your Own Meals
The luckiest students are on meal plans, which lets them keep their expenses on food measurable. However, if you are not among them, chances are that food is still one of your major expenses in college. The smartest tip to save on it is to start cooking your own meals. Eating out might not feel expensive if it’s a one-off thing. But remember that regular eating out adds up in large sums quickly.
3.Split Rent
Sometimes, living on campus is the wisest thing a student can do. But not always. Some students have to rent accommodations outside the campus. If you are one of them, the best tip we can give you is to find a roommate to split your rent. Renting with your friends can help you all enjoy the most savings while living in a comfortable and much more private space.
4.Hunt for Student Discounts
One of the best things about being a student today is being able to enjoy a variety of unique offers and benefits. Namely, you can be eligible for pleasant student discounts, which can help you save on everyday expenses. So, whenever you want to eat out, travel somewhere, or make any purchases, check for any available discounts, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of them.
5.Bike and Walk More
If you own a car, we bet that gas is a major expense that you have to deal with. And the gas prices keep going up. So, if you are looking for smart ways to start saving, you should get control over your transportation costs. A good way to do this is to bike and walk more instead of driving around.
6.Benefit From the Available Campus Amenities
Though not everyone knows this, almost every college offers its students a range of free or discounted amenities. These can include academic resources, child care, healthcare, counseling, career services, athletic services, and much more. Such amenities give you a great opportunity to save money. Utilize these opportunities whenever possible to save more without depriving yourself of the necessary services and resources.
7.Buy Used Textbooks
On average, students spend between $700 and $1,000 a year on textbooks. Since textbooks are must-haves for your curriculum, this is an expense that you can’t avoid. But there is a way to cut it down. Buying used textbooks or even renting them is one of the best ways to save hundreds of bucks every year.
8.Brew Your Own Coffee
Probably each of us wouldn’t mind having a cup of coffee in the morning to level up our energy for the entire day. Most students drink coffee every day, and the majority of them get it from a coffee shop. On the one hand, a cup of coffee that costs around $2-$3 shouldn’t make you go bankrupt. However, if you get a cup or two every day, the total spending can add up to $1,000 and more a year. So it makes sense to buy a coffee maker and brew your own coffee. After all, you can add these $2-$3 bucks you save to your bank account and grow your savings.
The Bottom Line
Living on a tight budget in college is rather common. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t change it. The tips we shared with you are a few of the many smart ways that can help you start saving more without compromising your comfort, needs, and interests. So start using these tips right now, and they’ll change your life!
