11 Money-Saving Tips for College Students – FangWallet

College is exciting, fulfilling, and expensive. When a large chunk of your money goes to tuition, room, and board, you have very little left over for other things. It’s overwhelming, and you don’t need the extra stress when you need to turn in a paper and study for a huge test. Strategic planning, creativity, and these money-saving tips can help you erase your budget issues and gain some breathing room.

1. Rent Your Textbooks

Professors require specific textbooks for each class that cost $100 or more. Instead of buying them, you can rent college textbooks online (see CampusBooks rental price comparison) and keep more money in your pocket. This saves more money upfront and takes away the stress and struggle of figuring out what to do with the hefty books when you’re done with the class.

2. Use Your Meal Plan or Cook at Home

Most colleges and universities have meal plan options or special discount programs for cafeteria food, even for part-time students. This can often save you money over time compared to the convenience of fast food or café eating. If you do have a meal plan, never waste any credits. Some allow you to get non-perishable snacks you can bring back to your dorm or apartment.

3. Walk or Bike More Often

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft add up quickly, and even public transportation cuts into your budget over time. Invest in a reasonably priced but sturdy bicycle or a comfortable pair of walking shoes if possible. When the weather’s good, opt for free transportation methods. They might take a bit longer, but with a quality pair of headphones or earbuds, you can use the time wisely to review class notes or listen to educational or budget-focused podcasts.

4. Invest in a Good Coffee Pot

You know you’ll need a jolt of caffeine to get you up for early classes and keep you studying late into the night, but buying $5.00+ concoctions at takeaway places will seriously affect your budget. Save money with your own coffee station in your dorm or apartment. An electric kettle works great for tea drinkers.

5. Sell Old Textbooks Back

If you didn’t find what you needed from a book rental platform, you’ll have a stack of expensive textbooks sitting around when classes are done. Luckily, you can sell used textbooks back profitably, and recoup some of your investment. Put the money toward the next semester’s necessary texts and supplies, or add it to your savings account. This will contribute to your funds to start your new, post-education life.

6. Use Free Campus Amenities

 Free campus events like movies, extracurricular classes, social meetups, and sports games help you save money on entertainment, but your school probably has many other amenities. The more you take advantage of, the more you can save on regular expenses and special occasions. They can even help you keep your dating life reasonable; who wouldn’t love cuddling with their partner for a romantic open-air movie on the quad?

These can range from free gym use to counseling services and more. Many amenities offer practical solutions, such as healthcare, legal services, and even financial advice, that may cost quite a bit elsewhere. Check out the school website and ask around to learn about your options. These free options work well for health, fun, and stress relief.

Talking about entertainment, do you use one or more of the popular streaming services for movies or music? Check the rules about sharing accounts before signing up with your roommates or close friends. Although avoiding these things makes more sense for those with tight budgets, only paying a portion does make sense.

Some software subscriptions also offer sharing opportunities. Things like Microsoft 365 and Photoshop might be necessary for your educational pursuits. Make a practical plan to spread the monthly or annual expenses out between multiple users.

8. Look for Local and Online Student Discounts

Even if the college you attend does not offer many free amenities, you can still use your student status to save money on many regular expenses. One of the most common is car insurance. This necessary bill for everyone who owns a vehicle can cost quite a lot, especially for young people who haven’t been driving very long. Student discounts are a great way to save. Other options include entertainment like at movie theaters, transportation like Greyhound busses and Amtrak trains, and Amazon Prime membership.

9. Bring Your Own Water Bottle Everywhere

Hydration is essential, but not only are plastic water bottles bad for the environment, but buying one or two daily will seriously cut your funds. You don’t need a fancy reusable water bottle from a trendy brand to keep your drinks fresh and cool. The right one will handle drops and frequent use and last for years.

10. Use Coupon and Cashback Apps

Anyone who shops online should know about the popular cashback and coupon-finding apps like Honey, Ibotta, and Rakuten. They work seamlessly with your chosen browser to find the best deals and lowest prices on whatever you want to buy. This helps with occasional purchases like a new game to relieve stress, your mom’s birthday present, and regular purchases like groceries and school supplies. Some give cash back or points you can trade later for gift cards. Others simply identify active coupons and apply them automatically to your e-commerce checkout process.

11. Learn to Budget for Your Future

No matter what, the best way for college students to save money is to create a long-term strategy and budget for the future. A degree greatly increases your earning potential, but that doesn’t mean you can start living a carefree lifestyle. Spend smart, track your funds, and follow many tips beyond your school years.

The price of a quality education keeps rising, and college students need to find more ways to save money on everything from textbooks to entertainment. These 11 tips will help set you on a better budget and a more prosperous future.