Saving money in college is a must — and the collegiettes™ at Her Campus have the tips on how to stretch those dollars. Check out our tricks below and share yours by leaving a comment below!
When I get my paycheck, I immediately put half into my savings account, that way I still have spending money, but I won’t be tempted to spend my savings. Also, I went in on a Sam’s Club card with one of my friends; that way we can buy things like shampoo (or candy!) in bulk for half of the membership fees.
– Jaime Ritter, Campus Correspondent, University of Alabama
Buy less coffee/tea and brew your own! You seriously will save SO much money. Do the math, you’ll see!
-Bernice Chuang, Campus Correspondent, UT Austin
Don’t eat out! Sometimes its unavoidable when you have nothing left to eat or you’re going out with a group of friends. But you’d be surprised at how much all those lunches at Chipotle can add up to be!
– Jessica Salerno, Contributing Writer, Ohio University
Don’t go out of your way to tempt yourself! If you know that you’re incapable of entering a store without leaving bags in hand, don’t go to the store! If you know you’re sure to buy a café out of coffee every time you meet a friend to chat, don’t meet up at Starbucks!
– Kristen Pye, Contributing Writer, McGill University
When I feel like shopping, I try to invest in experiences. At the mall, it’s way more satisfying for me to buy a slice of pizza in the food court and have a long, relaxing conversation with a friend than it is to quickly pick up a new t-shirt or purse. Impulse buys can be fun, but I’m always happier when any money I spend goes toward making a new memory.
– Mara Flanagan, Campus Correspondent, Chatham University
When you need something fast or for a one-time-only type of deal, don’t buy it — head to Facebook or Twitter. I’ve been able to borrow fancy dresses, hair straightners, a George Forman grill, and a vacuum (just to name a few) by simply asking if someone had them. Think of it as the college equivalent to asking your neighbor for a cup of sugar. Just don’t forget to return the favor!
– Michelle King, Health Editor, Emerson College
If you know that you’re going to be eating out a lot, buy gift cards to your favorite restaurants every other month and tell yourself you can’t spend anything more than that. It forces you to be honest with yourself about how much money you are spending on food!
– Brooke Hofer, Contributing Writer, University of Missouri
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I try to save money by making meals that last for a while like pasta salads, bean salads, or stuff that can sit in the fridge (normally with a dressing or marinade) without going bad. A lot of that gets better the longer it sits anyway so you can eat it all week long!
– Laura Maddox, Campus Correspondent, Appalachian State University
Sharing! Pooling accessories with my close friends, (like eye shadows, nail polish, scarves, handbags, etc) gives me a wonderful source of resources to mix and match from!! Find friends who are willing to share!
– KC Weston, Campus Correspondent, Ithaca College
Sign up with this website.
Seriously, awesome. Also whip out your student ID wherever you go. You never know when you may receive a discount. Sign up with grocery stores to get their ‘VIP’ cards. Sometimes you can get some seriously good deals.
– Laura Baugh, Campus Correspondent, Virginia Tech
Don’t buy a meal plan. Instead, buy groceries and prepare your meals at home. Another idea, buy beverages by the case at the market and carry it with you instead of stopping for expensive drinks on campus.
– Junene Taylor, Campus Correspondent, IUP