Most college students only work in the summer, and when you have a steady income, you can afford to splurge and eat out after a long day tanning at the pool. Once the school year begins, the desire to spend stays but the income stops. Here are some tips on how to save money around Charlottesville this school year:
Avoid Eating Out
It’s tempting to run to the Corner and grab a bite to eat, especially before going out on the weekends. Going out to eat, especially at sit down restaurants, tend to add up. Try eating at your place before going out, or limiting yourself to eating out only once every few weeks. If you can, consider splitting an entree with a friend, it will lower the cost for both of you, and make college that much more affordable. In addition, instead of running to Starbucks between classes, consider using Plus Dollars at the library coffee shops or making your own coffee and bringing it with you. I consider this “avoiding spending real money” while I’m at school.
Participate in a Study
Volunteer your time to studies at the Darden School of Business. Simply create an account for their Behavioral Research Department. You can browse their studies, if you are interested and meet the criteria to participate, you may volunteer. There is occasionally monetary compensation for your time. It’s a quick, easy way to make a little bit of money this year, without having a job.
Save on Gas
Even if you have a car at school, consider taking the UTS. It will save you money on gas, and you won’t have to worry about parking. The University released a new bus tracking app, Transloc, which is available for both iPhones and Android devices. If you need to fill up on gas, consider getting a rewards card. Places such as Kroger have discounted gas for their members, and membership is free. You simply sign up and get a Kroger card. Discounted groceries and gas, can’t get much better than that.
Save on Groceries
When doing your grocery shopping, bring a list of specific items that you need. Make an approximate budget and shoot to only spend that amount. Eat before you enter the store, to avoid impulse shopping. Consider buying foods with a long shelf life, like soup or canned vegetables. Also, try the generic brand. They are usually much cheaper and taste the same. Also, as for gas, sign up for their membership cards! You can frequently get discounts on your favorite foods, and who doesn’t love those two-for-one sales!
Join the Alumni Association
Joining the Alumni Association is free for students. Not only do you get free t-shirts and a shiny membership card, you also get discounts at area restaurants and shops. You can even get a 10% discount at the UVa Bookstore (but not for textbooks). It’s free until you graduate, and then you can decide if you want to continue your membership or cancel it.
It’s difficult to go from summer impulse shopping to budgeting in college, but consider trying these ideas. Make sure to monitor your bank account, so you know how much you are spending. You might be surprised at how fast the $8 charges at Chipotle add up, or how much money you are spending on gas. Budgeting is a life-long skill, why not start now?