Most college students are on a tight budget.
They can’t even afford to hire butlers!
For the most part, college students are aware of the basic money-saving tips like getting a free checking account, buying used textbooks, avoiding the use of credit cards, using coupons, using Skype for long-distance phone calls, and so on.
Are there any other money-saving tips that college students may not be considering? There sure are!
Let’s take a look at a few.
Roommate
Get a frugal roommate. He or she will inspire you to start saving money. Disapproving glances, sighs, and frowns will warn you against wasting money.
Entertainment
Save money on entertainment by making your own silly movies and music videos with friends. You’ll have plenty of fun. If they’re something you wouldn’t want your Grandma to see, don’t put them on YouTube. Also, keep in mind that prospective employers check social media websites.
Stay healthy
By staying healthy you avoid spending money on doctor visits and medicine. Exercise regularly and wash your hands, especially during the cold and flu seasons.
Haircuts
Perhaps there’s somebody in your dorm that has a knack for cutting hair. Offer a firm handshake and a few dollars for the service.
Dating
If you’re dating someone, have dinner at home. Ask your roommate to hang out somewhere else for the evening, and you can return the favor later.
Movie rentals
Instead of renting movies from Netflix, borrow them from the local library. Libraries usually have a large collection of movies to choose from.
Free exercise
Instead of paying money to join a gym, join intramural sport teams. You can have fun and also make new friends.
Oatmeal
For breakfast, oatmeal is affordable, easy to make, and filling.
Grocery shopping
Don’t go shopping when you’re hungry. Instead, go when your stomach is full and you won’t be tempted to buy snacks and other food you don’t really need. Also, shop for food when you’re short on time. This way you won’t casually go down every aisle and be tempted by all the tasty stuff you see.
Frugal friends
Hang out with penny pinchers. You’ll be less inclined to spend money on entertainment, expensive restaurants, weekend trips, and expensive clothing. Secretly, drop a penny on the ground and walk away. If somebody picks it up, he or she is worthy of your consideration!
Be a good student
If you fail a required class, you’ll have to spend money to take it again. Besides, think of how grumpy you’ll be.
Stay busy
By staying busy you’ll be less inclined to spend money on entertainment and other things you don’t need. You could actually spend time reading the entire used textbook you bought and not just the sections that are already highlighted!
Obscure films
Save money by seeing independent films and avoiding blockbuster movie theaters. Besides, you’ll have the opportunity to annoy your friends by being a movie snob.
Restaurants
By avoiding restaurants with waitresses you can save money on tips. Many college towns have restaurants where customers order at the cash register and pick up their food at the counter. Don’t pout just because you can’t flirt with cute waitresses!
Heating cost
When it gets cold put on several layers of clothing, wear a beanie, and put a blanket on yourself if you’re just sitting on a couch. You don’t need to saunter or sashay around the apartment in summer clothes during winter.
Share
Borrow things from other students and let them borrow from you. No, don’t ask to borrow their ham. Clothes and school supplies should be fair game, though.
Gifts
Make your own gifts. You can make food mixes, cookies, bread, and other things. You don’t have to buy expensive gifts.
Casseroles
Make a quadruple batch of a large, tasty casserole and put three of the batches in the freezer. On nights when you’re busy heat up one of the batches instead of spending money on fast food, expensive frozen dinners, or other unhealthy foods.
Barter
Bartering involves trading items you own or a service for another person’s items or services. Craigslist has barter sections, and many cities have local barter groups.
Try to save as much money as you can while attending college. You’ll be glad you did after you graduate!
Source: goodfinancialcents.com