6 Tips on How To Budget + Organize as a College Student

As we’re almost halfway through the semester (how crazy is that?!), some of us might be getting a little lazy about scheduling assignments or spending money we shouldn’t. It happens to all of us – but hopefully, these six tips can get you back on track if you’re needing some guidance. 

Organizing

1. Write down your assignments for the month

   1. My first recommendation is to use your planners! They are a useful tool in helping you stay organized. However, it’s just as important to know how to use your planner in the right ways for you. I’ve found that at the start of each month, I write down my assignments and projects for the remaining four weeks. If you write the entire syllabus in the beginning of the semester, it may be overwhelming to look at everything you need to do! Plus, professors are constantly making edits to the syllabus, and it will get annoying and confusing to cross out and change due dates for assignments. If you try to write it down weekly, it’s easy to get busy and not prioritize time to do that. If you are writing in your planner weekly, always have it ready at the beginning or end of class. In my experience, most teachers will go over what the upcoming assignments are and when they’re due in class. 

2. Always get your work done on time!

   1. If you have time to start an assignment early, always try to! I know it’s hard, but you’ll be glad you did. It helps to write down an assignment a few days before it is actually due to trick yourself into starting early. Sometimes you have to make a choice between watching a show or hanging with friends rather than getting work done. And if you’re living with roommates, don’t be shy to ask them for help or advice! Even if you just need someone around to do homework with, I’m sure they’d be happy to do so. 

3. Know Yourself

   1. It’s important to understand how you learn and what kind of worker you are. Do you get assignments done in a day or in three days? Are you a perfectionist or not? Do you procrastinate and start assignments at the last minute? Do you prioritize your time well or not? What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you combat your weaknesses? Hopefully some of these tips help you!

Budgeting

1. Use your Phone Notes to Plan Out Your Spending 

   1. Hopefully you worked a summer job and saved up or are working during the semester – like most of us you’ll want to hold that money tight!! The notes app on your phone is an easy and great way to quickly write down your budget and spending habits.  I recommend writing down how much you can spend weekly and/or monthly. If you have a certain amount in your account, it’s easy to track your spending if you know the amount you should have at the end of each month. If you’re tight with money, keeping a “spending journal” prevents you from frivolous spending if you physically have to write down everything you’re buying. 

2. NOT Setting the Bar at Zero

   1. Avoid setting the bar at zero. You want to try to have money left over if you can to avoid the negatives. Keeping track of your spending habits will help with this! Sometimes random spending pops up that you don’t expect or plan for, and it’s always good to have money saved when you need it. 

3. Look for sales everywhere!

   1. Sales are a beautiful thing. Even though savings of $1 or $2 dollars at the grocery store or outlet seem small, the numbers start to add up. Remember to also utilize your student discounts! I guarantee there are more places you can use it than you think.

Hopefully these tips help you survive the rest of the semester – just hang in there!

Much love,

S

• college
• money saving
• off campus
• scheduling