It Doesn’t Have to be Hard to Save Money in College

Female student saving money in a piggy bank It’s hard to save money in college.

It seems as though every time you make a move there is a cost associated with it. From textbooks to meal plans, social events, and other course materials, it’s hard to keep track of where your money is going.

We are here to help! These money saving tricks are tried and true, proven by student after student, so start trying them now.

1. Buy Your Textbooks Used

Textbooks can add up really fast. In fact, one semester’s worth of textbooks can be a huge shock, especially if it’s your first year and you aren’t prepared for that massive bookstore bill. Many colleges and universities have used textbook buying and selling programs where you can score some much better deals on the textbooks you need. When you’re done the semester, you can even make a little cash back by selling your books.

If you can’t find a used textbook program through your school, check local bookstores. Additionally, you can check websites like Amazon.com to find cheaper versions of the same book. If you haven’t yet, you can sign up for a student trial of Amazon Prime to get free, two-day shipping.

2. Stop Using ATMs For Cash

ATM fees can really add up, especially when you take money out regularly. The average machine charges between $2.00 and $3.00, but you can avoid them by simply going to your bank’s teller machine and retrieving money there. These hidden bank fees will charge you every time you skip going directly to your bank, which can add up to over $20 a week if you use an ATM at least 4 times a week.

If you must use an ATM, take out a larger sum of money less often. This way, you don’t have to pay as many ATM fees, but you still get the same amount of money out, which in turn helps save you money. Alternatively, you can also ask for “cash-back” at various participating stores for no additional charge as long as you are buying something (for example, when you’re buying your weekly groceries you can often ask the cashier for cash-back.)

3. Cut Back on The Take-Out

This is a no-brainer. Spending money on eating out can add up, especially when you don’t keep track of what you’re paying for. Buying your own groceries and cooking your own meals will not only help you save money, but it can inspire you to improve your own cooking skills at the same time.

Additionally, eating out regularly isn’t good for your body, which could be secretly hindering your ability to focus in school. Eating well helps your memory, keeps you alert and awake, and prevents those dreaded midday burn-outs that can catch up to even the best of us.

4. Double-Think That Third Party Night in a Row

Going out and drinking with your friends is a part of university many of us participate in. However, this is an activity that isn’t cheap, especially since some nights include late night food runs, taxis, and coat check costs. Buying rounds of drinks night after night is a really quick way to drain your bank account and blow your budget sooner than you planned.

Consider other options for your social nights out. Many universities offer free student events such as game nights or trivia tournaments. These options can be just as fun as a night out— and they don’t even come with the hangover.

5. Rely on Public Transit

Owning a car while in university might be a great feeling that brings you a lot of freedom, but your bank account probably wouldn’t agree. Costs can add up: there’s gas, unexpected repairs, maintenance, car insurance, and other one-time purchases such as windshield wiper fluid. Not only that, but being one of the only ones with a car means you’re likely constantly going to be stuck being the designated driver or taxiing everyone around.

Most schools offer free public transportation with your tuition, and you can just use your student card to board the bus. Since you’re paying tuition anyway, why not take advantage of everything else that’s offered?

Get Your Money’s Worth in School by Making The Grade

You pay a lot for college. Don’t take the risk of handing in an assignment you aren’t fully confident with. Our custom essay writing services will help you make the grade and keep it, providing you with the most worthwhile university experience possible.

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References
Caitlin. (n.d.) Canadian bank fees: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Loans Canada. Retrieved from https://loanscanada.ca/money/canadian-bank-fees-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/.

Sheehan, J. (2017). Research on healthy eating habits & student learning. Livestrong. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/497063-research-on-healthy-eating-habits-student-learning/.