Money Saving Tips for Students

Times can be financially tough during college as you are often left with only pennies in your pockets. I was able to save money in college and make ends meet by sticking to the following money saving guidelines. Check out these money saving tips for students:

Save money on your textbooks.

• Avoid buying textbooks from the bookstore if at all possible. Check first to see if you can borrow the textbook from the library. Utilize the library exchange program at your university, often a late fee associated with returning the book after the due date is cheaper than purchasing even a used copy of the same book.

• Ask around to see if your friends know of anyone who already taken the class or send a message to your school community using Facebook to see if anyone has the textbook you need. Ask to borrow the book or buy it from them.

• You can also check to see how much your textbooks are being sold for online. Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com and many others offer used textbooks for much cheaper than your school bookstore.

Save money on yourself.

• Instead of buying a gym membership, work out at your school’s gymnasium which should be much cheaper, if not free. Opt for doing outdoor exercises and activities with a friend such as jogging, walking, hiking and other sports and recreational activities.

• Make an effort to only eat out on special occasions, if ever. Dining out is one of the fastest ways money disappears.

• Make your own coffee at home. I saved so much money once I started making my own coffee and taking it with me to class or the library rather than buying coffee at a coffee shop every day. We all know that students survive off of their caffeine, but you can do so in an economical way.
  

• Write up a grocery list before you go the store and stick to the list. Hit up the local farmer’s markets for your bread and produce before going to the big grocery stores. Take the time to go through the catalogs and utilize the sale coupons for items that you need.   

Save money on transportation.

• Walk or ride a bike to your destinations whenever you can.
  

• If you have a car, research the cheapest gas stations near you and only buy gas there.
  

• Purchasing a bus pass and taking the bus places is a great way to avoid using a car and needing to invest in oil changes, car washes and tune ups.

• Car pool if at all possible and split the cost of gas.

Save a little money every month for emergencies.

Even if your pay check is ridiculously small, put a small bit - even if it is a few dollars - away every month in a separate account  that isn’t connected to a debit card for a rainy day. This way if you do come upon an emergency you have a little bit of savings to rescue you, and if you don’t end up using it at the end of school you have savings for a trip after school or can put it towards paying back student loans.