College is our first step into the real world. You will feel like you hit a brick wall when you realize how much everything is costs. Among college students, money is one of the number one stressors. So how can you start to save when you need to pay for school while making memories?
Budget! This is one of the most important things college students don’t do. Get in the habit now of planning your monthly expenses. Write it down and track everything you spend. Target has handy budget books and there are tons of apps for you to keep track of your bank account. If you start saving now, you’ll be happy in the long run.
Get organized. If you plan exactly what you want to spend for the mothh and write it down, you will be more successful in your savings. By being organized you don’t have the chance to overdraft your account or think you have more money than you actually do.
Get a job. I know school is a full time job but if you get a part time job you enjoy, it will give you some spending money and help with some bills.
Try to limit eating out/buying snacks. Even though buying Taco Bell or going to the market a couple times a week doesn’t seem like much, in the long run it adds up pretty quickly. Make home cooked meals with your roommates or take advantage of the cafeteria. It will be healthier and help you save money.
When buying books always shop around. Consider renting your books unless you want to keep them after the semester. Find a friend in class to split the cost of a book and share. The most important thing is to take the time to look for the least expensive option, it will be worth it.
Walk to Class. Gas is another expense college students have to deal with, especially if you live off campus. Walk to class! This will give you exercise and some fresh air. Walk with a friend so you aren’t bored or listen to music. This will save a tremendous amount of gas and your bank account will thank you.
Look for scholarships! There are millions of scholarships waiting for students to take advantages of them. Many students don’t take the time to apply so your chances of receiving a scholarship are greater. Take the time and fill out one application a week. Even if it is just a hundred dollars, it will help and is definitely worth the hour it took to fill out.
Even though saving money is important, so is enjoying your time here at school. So have fun with your friends and go out, just be smart about it. Think of things you can do with your friends that are free, such as watching movies together or craft nights. Think outside of the box! Have fun while you are here, but it’ll be over before you know it, so do yourself a favor now.