Excitement is in the air as we are preparing to create more college memories. But with the prices for books, tuition, parking passes, and other necessities it adds pressure on us. It is not easy keeping a tight budget when all you really want to do is treat yourself. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We can get the things we need for our college life while having just enough to splurge a little.
I find these following stores not only useful but also affordable for us fellow college students. The reason why these stores made the list is because of their normal price settings and sales made available specifically for us. The items sold at each establishment are also taken into consideration. Although opinions may vary.
Best Buy
Thanks to back-to-school shopping sales, these pricey electronics become surprisingly affordable. The appliances are pretty nifty as well. Such as your standard microwaves and mini fridges. I recently got a brand new laptop from there that was $200 off its normal price. Now how can you not be tempted with that kind of deal?
Walmart
You never realize how expensive groceries are until you have to pay for them yourself. From frozen meals to simple veggies and fruits, all goods are reasonably priced. Walmart also accepts food stamps (if you have them). On a side note, some of their clothes are pretty stylish believe it or not. I think some people miss out on cute stuff simply because it isn’t a popular or trendy. The sales set around labor day are set to help us out a bit too.
TJMaxx
Let’s be real- high quality brands are amazing. If you want the style without the price, TJMaxx is definitely the store to hit up. Almost everything is marked down from the original, expensive price. So you know you are saving money. It doesn’t stop at clothes, they have high-quality makeup, shoes, facial products, jewelry, menswear- the list goes on. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the weekly sales.
Five Below
This store really lives up to its name. Literally everything sold here is five dollars or under. It’s incredible! They have earphones, speakers, string lights, room organizers, clothes-it’s a money-saving paradise. I know what you are probably thinking: if it’s super cheap then it won’t last long. That is not the case for this store. It may not be high-quality and last forever, but it is pretty useful to have around for a year.
Textbook Corner
Whether you are renting or buying a book, there is a good chance you will be spending at least $50 for it. Unless you are one of the lucky few who can find your textbooks online for free, this is the place you should go to first. Their textbooks are almost always cheaper than the bookstore on campus and they will price match if not. To make it better, Textbook Corner gives out free coupons and hosts giveaways on their social media site. I think it is sweet they are making our lives a little easier each quarter.
All five of these stores help us broke college kids to stretch those dollars a little farther at the beginning of the school year. Don’t get discouraged by price tags; there’s always a store with what you need if you’re willing to look!