College is an exciting time. Students who have worked hard throughout high school are given a chance to further their education and better themselves. Students may feel the strain of rising educational costs. Some students wonder how they are going to eat from day to day. Others worry if they will be able to afford to register the following term. Students who are willing to live frugally and creatively will find that they save money that can be used for other expenses they incur while studying.
Move Out of Dorm
Dorm life allows students the unique opportunity to live in the same building with all their friends. This experience can be enjoyable and exciting, especially for someone who is away from home for the first time. Living in the dorm, however, can quickly add up to huge expense. Most schools require that dorm students purchase a meal plan for the on campus cafeterias and diners.
Monthly rent for the small dorm room that is shared with others is also pricey. Moving out of the dorm can save money and remove stress from students. Apartments not far from campus can offer students affordable housing that is near school activities. Inviting a friend to share costs allows a student to reduce the amount of money he is spending every month.
Students should check the local newspapers, bulletin boards and school paper for listings of families in the area who are willing to rent a room to students. Visits to the family to see the room should be made before moving. Care should be taken that the student will be comfortable in the home environment.
Eat Out Less
The temptation to eat out with friends is one that causes many students to spend money they should be saving. Finding ways to have enough to eat without going to restaurants will enable students to save money. Rice cookers allow students to cook a meal base in their room or apartment.
Discount grocery stores can supply vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs and milk at a reasonable price for students. Students who buy items such as rice and flour in bulk will discover that they can eat for a fraction of what it cost to eat in a restaurant.
Free Food
College campuses have a variety of opportunities for students to eat for free. Attending lectures can provide students with an opportunity to eat before or after the talk. Clubs trying to attract new members often offer food for information meeting. When professors invite students to their homes for game night, the students should go. Participation in activities that offer free food is an excellent way for students to save money while in college.
Car Pool
College can save money by car pooling. Students with cars should plan their errands with other friends. Everyone should contribute to the cost of gas. All shopping and errands should be done in one day if at all possible. When possible, students should use public transportation. Some schools partner with public transportation offices to arrange discount for students.
Share Textbooks
Textbooks are costly. Students who are in the same class with friends should consider splitting the cost of a single textbook. Written agreements clarifying costs for each students and how much each student will get when the book is sold, should be signed.
Buy Books Online
Registering for classes as soon as possible enables students to buy their books online in a timely fashion. Students should contact their professor to ask for book lists as soon as possible. New and used books can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble gives a minimum of 10% off purchases for membership card holders.
Shop Dollar Stores
Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent can all be purchased from dollar stores. Dollar stores have many items that cost a dollar or less. These prices makes it easier for students on a budget to purchase necessities Dollar stores carry soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies for an extremely low price. Most items cost a dollar or less. Larger items such as laundry detergent may cost more than a dollar but are usually cheaper than at other stores.
Benefits of Saving
Money saved during the college years takes stress off of students and allows them to focus that energy on studies. Students who approach money saving with a positive attitude will find that they come up with creative ideas that help their financial situation.
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