Saving money in college is hard. Pretty much everything you do costs money. If you want to go out to dinner with friends, attend a party, check out a new museum in town, or just order in take-out, it all comes with expenses. And it adds up. Here are some tips that will help you save money while you’re a student and come out of college with less debt than expected.
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Housing
Your college apartment does not have to be fancy. Find a rental that ticks all your boxes and forget about the unnecessary amenities and extra space. Try to find a roommate to split the bill with. Saving a couple hundred each month on rent will add up.
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Transportation
Do you really need a car in college? If you do have a car, opt to walk, ride your bike, or hop on the bus when you want to go somewhere off campus. This will help you save money on gas, parking and any issues that might need to get fixed. It also helps the environment.
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Food
Make your own coffee. Stock up on frozen foods. Try to limit the amount of times you go out to eat during the week. Share groceries with your roommates. These small changes should help you save a few bucks here and there.
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Clothes
There is no need to drop a bunch of money to look good. You can find great clothes and great brands at thrift stores. You can also set up a clothes swap with your friends. Get a group together and each bring a few items you don’t wear anymore, trade, and walk away with some new threads.
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Entertainment
Paying for cable every month is a waste of money. You can settle for Netflix, Hulu, or something similar and still keep yourself entertained and up to speed on your favorite shows.
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Social
Going out is fun, but it can be expensive. Host a get together or have a movie night in with your crew. You can still have fun with your friends without breaking the bank every weekend.
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Budget
Take some time to write up a budget. You may not realize how much you are spending on things that you can easily change. Designate a specific amount for food, shopping, any bills you have, and for your social life. This will help you keep track of your funds and hopefully help you spend less.
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Put Some Aside
If you have a part time job or work study on campus, donate a small portion of your paychecks to the piggy bank. It can be as little as $10 a month. It will add up and by graduation you will have a nice cash stash.
Tell us, how do you save money in college?
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