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Between classes and after-school activities, sports, friends, and everything that goes into college life, there’s almost never enough time for a gURL to make the most out of her part-time job. Especially when it means sacrificing your weekend for a few measly bucks. No one wants an empty wallet either, so we compiled a few tips so you can save cash at school without sacrificing your academics or your social life.
1. Eat in
Rather than hurting your wallet with the constant expense of dining out, head to the nearest grocery store to stock up on treats that will last you through the week. It doesn’t have to affect your time with friends either. Instead of meeting them at the dining hall, invite them over for a nice home cooked meal.
2. Avoid Your Campus Bookstore
Actually, try to avoid anything you can buy at school. Both public and private schools jack up the prices of practically everything. Not only are textbook prices more expensive, but so is everything else (Trust us, that loose leaf paper is so much cheaper at Walgreens). For your books, sites like Chegg and eCampus are incredible money-savers because you can rent books for up to 90% off the retail price. Plus you won’t have to worry about the sellback process at the end of the semester.
3. Bring the Movie Theater to You
Do you know how much a trip to the movies costs now? About the same amount as purchasing three previously-used flicks at an FYE or an online video store. gURL, that’s a little insane. Think about that next time Friday night rolls around, especially since most colleges show the same films for movie nights only a month or two later… for free!
4. Walk
It may sound simple, but this is actually one of the biggest money-saving tips. Whether you take public transportation or drive your own car, it all adds up to big bucks if you don’t use your feet – or even a bike. So if you normally drive across campus to go to your friends’ dorms, don’t be lazy. This is the perfect way to save some extra cash and get a mini-workout along the way.
5. Share Your Dorm
The idea of a single room all to yourself can be tempting as you progress through school. No one really wants to share a room if they don’t have to. But even if you can afford a single, the more people you share a space with, the cheaper it will be. And this doesn’t just apply to dorms – off-campus housing works the exact same way. Is it inconvenient? At times. Is it worth it? More often than not.
6. Skip the Gym
No, we’re not saying you should give up on fitness completely. Instead, try to get your workout in at the school gym or in a park. This way you can skip the overpriced gym membership (and never have to worry about the sweaty/creepy old guy on the elliptical next to you).
7. Make Your Own Coffee
Before a long, dragged-out school day, it can be tempting (and way faster) to pop into a Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks, order a Venti espresso and be on your way. However, if you wake up a mere five minutes earlier, you can make yourself the same piping hot caffeinated beverage for a fraction of the price.
WDYT, gURLs? Are these realistic for your lifestyle? Have any of your own school money-saving tips? Discuss below.
Buying stuff from a school does support the school and any activities (like games, free meals, etc.) but they sure do jack up the prices. I’m in college and am taking 6 classes this semester, requiring 7 books. I bought all but one(in school) for $165 on the internet. That one book from my college was $220.00! If I were to buy ALL those books, I would have owed the school $1,300, not including the contact hours, fees, or support services. UGH.
I’m sure the private universities that charge $30,000 for admission will be just fine if you purchase a book somewhere else.
Buying books online saves money in the short run, but you’re really just shooting yourself in the foot because money spent at the bookstore goes into the school. It’s like morons that buy books online because they’re cheaper than the local bookstore. If you buy local, the money goes into the things you care about.