Photo from MoneyControl
I moved into my freshman dorm in August of 2015. I arrived like every other college freshman: young, dumb and broke.
I had no idea how much a gallon of milk cost, let alone an electric bill. Throughout the years, I have learned not only how to budget, but how to make my part-time, minimum wage paycheck stretch since there are only so many hours we can work before we start to sacrifice our GPA and our mental health. Here are some tips that can hopefully help you do the same:
- Learn to Do It Yourself
I like to keep this tip fairly broad because all of us have different skill sets and available opportunities. I have been lucky enough to have my dad teach me how to work on my car so I can save money by not going to a mechanic. Most of you probably do not have this opportunity. However, simple tasks such as painting our own decorations instead of dropping $50 at a department store and cooking instead of ordering dinner are great ways to save money. You can easily pack a large lunch for only a couple dollars versus buying lunch on inflated campus costs.
- Visit BudgetBytes.com
This website is fantastic for new and advanced cooks looking to make meals cost efficient without giving up flavor. The website even offers several recipes that are healthy, vegetarian or vegan and more. Each recipe breaks down the cost per serving.
- Thrift Shop
I am not the biggest fan of Goodwill just because I can rarely find clothes I like in my size. Yet, browsing their book selection is super budget friendly and fun because you never know what will be on the shelf. I can generally find an armload of books averaging a dollar a piece.
Even if you are like me and prefer not to buy clothes from Goodwill, other stores such as Plato’s closet offer secondhand, in-style clothing. I love this tip because it also helps reduce your impact on the environment.
- Be More Environmentally Friendly
Many people think it might cost a lot to lower their carbon footprint. However, there is a large overlap between saving money and saving the planet. Walking instead of driving lowers the amount you spend on gas and also helps the environment. Similarly, turning off the lights and taking shorter showers also helps pad our wallets.
By employing some or all of these tips, being a financially independent (or just cheap) college student becomes a little less scary.
Thumbnail Photo By Fabian Blank