Every young adult knows the college budget struggle. Despite the constant need for help, the web seems to lack guides on how to save money as a college student. I thought it would be helpful to share with you all how I save money as a college student. Here are some of my best tips to help y’all overcome the broke college kid struggle!
Textbooks
One of the best ways to save money in college is shopping around for the best deals on textbooks. Instead of buying straight from your school’s bookstore, look around first! Places such as Chegg and Amazon often have the books you need for much cheaper. Also consider getting an earlier edition. The books often have few differences but are much cheaper. I also recommend looking into exchange groups on Facebook that students from your school might have. Other students are usually more willing to help out other students because they understand the struggle.
Campus Meal Plan
Take advantage of the campus meal plans to save money. Though they might seem more expensive, using the meal plans your school offers can be covered by financial aid. By using the meal plan you won’t have to worry about grocery shopping (which can be costly).
Student Discounts
So many places offer student discounts! The best student discount you could get is on your technology. Best Buy offers a student discount AND open box discounts! This could bring the cost of a new computer down a couple hundred dollars. Apple also offers student discounts on new laptops as well as bundles with other products. Food places, Goodwill, and amusement parks all typically offer student discounts. If you are unsure, just ask!
Campus Services
Take advantage of the services your campus offers. If your school allows you to print for free, you can save a bunch of money instead of purchasing a printer! You can typically get free gym access at most universities as well. If you are a fitness junkie or it’s your New Year’s resolution to hit the gym more, do it for free at school. You can also check out the library for recreational reading books and save yourself the money of purchasing them!
Budget
I have talked about the importance of creating a budget before. You can save money as a college kid if you stick to your budget. By knowing how much money you have and what you can spend, you will be less likely to overspend or impulse shop. Once you make your general budget, you can eliminate the unnecessary things if desired.
Grow Savings
Another form of saving money as a college student is to build a savings. It’s great to have ways to spend less but you also need to create a reserve of money. Two of my favorite ways to grow a savings is through a high interest yielding savings account and with Qapital.
I have an Aspiration checking account that I use as my savings account. I chose Aspiration because they offer a 1.00% annual interest yield as well as ZERO monthly fees. An additional benefit is that Aspiration covers all ATM fees worldwide! This means that you never have to worry about needing to get cash ever again.
I love using Qapital because of all the options for customization in savings. You can set your goal amount and the different rules you want to help you reach that goal.
* this section contains referral links which means I may receive a small compensation if you decide to create an account at no additional cost to you.
It is beneficial for every young adult to know how to save money as a college student. Keep these tricks up your sleeve for when you are feeling tight on cash! Let me know in know comments below if you have any tricks to save money that you swear by!
