We all know that as college students we are generally broke; I say generally because unless your parents love you more than mine love me, you get a $50 gas card from them at Christmas, and that’s it. So what do we do? We pick up an extra shift at work a few times a week, we go to class, and we get crafty with how we spend our money. For those of you who are new to the ‘broke college student life’, let me give you a few pointers.
Look for those free meals! Around campus, and around your college town, most organizations hold free meals for students, FIND THEM AND DESCEND LIKE WOLVES! However, be respectful, there are limits and lines that you should not cross, for instance, if your college AA group is hosting a meal for their members, don’t go unless you actually are interested in joining their organization.
Learn How to Cook. This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyways, eating out is so expensive, even the drive thru at McDonald’s adds up if you’re a regular there. That being said, you don’t have to learn how to be Rachel Ray, but learn a few cheap and simple recipes. My favorite appliance to use is my crockpot, I’ll throw a something in it when I leave in the morning, and by the time I’m back at night it’s ready to eat--It’s super simple! Also, ask your grandparents or parents for some recipes, they are sure to have something simple, cheap, and tasty!
Cut Down on Going Out. Having a few drinks with friends is a great way to catch up, but alcohol is expensive, so to save some money, here are a few ideas:
1) Learn how to make drinks and host a cocktail night at your house; you’ll save money because bars are pricey and you can make the same drinks at home for a better price.
2) Limit your availability to go out to once a week. Or just find other things to do with your friends instead of going out to eat or getting drinks--check out what’s free in your town, or have a night in with your friends.
Buy What You Need, Not What You Want. Easier said than done, but if you learn to be strict with your money, you save a ton of money. And sure, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, or whatever you have been eyeing every once and awhile, but in general try to only buy the necessities.
Drive Less, Walk More. If you tend to drive to campus, see if there is a public transit system that you could start taking, it might not be as time efficient as driving, but it will save you money. Or, carpool with your housemates, better yet, walk to campus if you are close enough, you’ll have to wake up a bit earlier, but you’ll save some $$ on gas!
As you can see, there are multiple ways to cut back on spending and save some extra cash while in college, but there are many more! Feel free to comment other ways that you save money or give helpful tips!
