Being broke in college does not mean you have to stop having fun. I learned this pretty quickly last year when I first came to college. Between formals, themed parties, books, dorm supplies, DoorDash, and snacks, it feels like there are a billion things you somehow have to come up with the money for. While I fully support treating yourself to dinner with your friends or grabbing Dunkin’, I also support having enough money left by the spring semester to afford your books. So, here are a few ways I make sure I can say “yes” when my friends ask me to do things without spending my entire paycheck.
1. Skip the Morning Coffee Every Day
As a fun drink lover, I completely understand how easy it is to want a coffee or chai every morning. However, unless you splurged on the Platinum meal plan, your flex dollars probably won’t allow for this. This makes it very easy to end up spending your own money on morning drinks, which can add up very quickly. Instead, I save getting a drink for when I really need a pick-me-up. Think mornings when I have an exam or when it’s the only thing motivating me to get out of bed. Sometimes, a little treat is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be an everyday expense.
2. Skip the Themed Clothing
I know that when your favorite house throws a party with a weirdly specific theme, it’s very tempting to run to Walmart or Marshalls to grab a top or dress that fits. But you can look just as cute in something you already have in your closet. Besides, usually half the people there don’t even match the theme, so I promise you won’t stick out too much. If you really love the theme, you could even check Goodwill before spending full price on a piece. I kept this in mind when buying things for my Halloween costumes this year, too. I tried to stick to pieces that I could wear again, either casually or on a night out. Sustainability is in this year, especially for baddies on a budget.
3. Say Yes to Plans, but No to Unnecessary Purchases
Just because you don’t want to spend money doesn’t mean you have to stay in. You can still go out and do things while keeping your expenses in mind. For example, my friends and I went to Pumpkinville a few weeks ago to celebrate the beginning of fall. While there were plenty of tempting treats, I only bought what I knew I already wanted so I could avoid spending my entire paycheck in one go. We also collectively decided to skip the rides since they were around $20 per person and just had fun exploring the free areas instead. Sometimes, it’s less about spending money and more about who you’re spending your time with.
4. Take Advantage of Your College Campus
One of the most underrated perks of being a college student is how many things are already available to you. Between campus events, student organizations, fitness classes, performances, and activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of your dorm without spending extra money.
Keep an eye on the Notice Board and your clubs’ social media pages. There are almost always free events, giveaways, activities, or opportunities to meet new people. You are already paying to attend college (and even more to attend a private university), so you might as well take advantage of what it offers!
5. Learn the Difference Between Wants and Needs
This one was the hardest for me personally, especially when it feels like every time I scroll, I see a cute new set I want or a makeup product I need to try. Sometimes, you really do need some new going-out tops if all of yours are worn to death. Other times, you just see an Edikted top on sale (let’s be real, they’re always on sale) and suddenly feel the need to buy it. Before making an impulse purchase, give yourself a month to see if you still want it. If you do, hopefully you’ve saved enough by avoiding other unnecessary purchases to justify buying it!
At the end of the day, we’re college students, so we’re allowed to be a little broke. You’re allowed to save money in the places where it counts, but you should also be able to treat yourself. Learning how to have the experience you want without spending money you don’t have is a skill I suspect we’ll all be using long after graduation.