As we all know, the problems of an average student are not limited to memorizing stuff, doing homework on time, and staying in his/her professors’ good books. The majority of students these days are saddled with significant financial problems – even if you do not have to think about student debt, chances are you are still constantly on the lookout for ways to save some money or make an extra buck. In this article, we have gathered some of the most useful tips that can significantly ease your financial burden throughout your years in college.
1. Learn to Cook
Do you regularly grab something to eat on the go, eat out or buy fast food? It is especially true for those students who are used to having their meals cooked for them. The temptation to just drop in somewhere for a quick lunch is just too great, especially when compared to the need to actually buy groceries and cook something. After all, you will save time to apply it more effectively otherwise, right?
Most likely, wrong. Eating out is costly. Even cheap fast food is more expensive than cooking something at home. While eating out once is not likely to bankrupt you, it easily becomes a habit, and such bills do add up to significant sums. This means that cooking your own meals, even if it takes a little more time, is going to save you a lot in the long run. And, of course, it is on average healthier than a steady diet of pizza, French fries, and soda.
2. Do not Buy New Textbooks
Textbooks can be quite expensive and, chances are, you are going to need a lot of them. Do not be in a hurry to buy brand-new ones – there are plenty of websites where you can find students who no longer need their used textbooks and are ready to sell them at much better prices. When you no longer need them yourself, you will be able to sell them off as well, giving your budget a further boost.
3. Look for Affordable Academic Help
Sooner or later, you will encounter a project or an assignment you will not be able to deal with yourself. You are going to need professional helpers to assist you with it. When you do, do not be in a hurry to jump at the first online academic assistance service you run into. The fees they charge can vary dramatically and do not always reflect the quality of their assistance. For example, assignment help from CustomWritings is relatively affordable but is still lightyears ahead in terms of quality when compared to some much more expensive agencies. Choose wisely and find yourself a website you are comfortable with ahead of time so that you do not have to look for one in a hurry when you need it.
4. Look for Bargains on eBay, Craigslist, etc.
The same as in the case of textbooks, when you have to buy something, do not be in a hurry to buy it from a store or order it online. If you look hard enough, you are almost sure to find somebody selling what you need at a bargain price. It may be a little more time-consuming and less convenient than simply getting it from a store, but when money is the issue, it can be a real lifesaver.
In addition to bargains, you can find:
- Jobs;
- Housing;
- Services;
- Rideshares;
- and much more.
5. Look for Giveaways
Platforms like Freecycle.org allow their users to give away unwanted things and, consequently, get things other people are giving away. Useful when you want to get rid of something that is unlikely to sell or obtain something free of charge. While most of these things are of highly situational usefulness, sometimes you can stumble upon very handy stuff here, such as:
- Furniture;
- Sports equipment;
- Electronics;
- Clothing;
- Backpacks;
- Kitchenware
6. Keep a Budget
Your efforts to save/earn money will not do you much good if you do not put your financial matters under control. However horrifying it may sound, but to do so, you will have to keep track of all your incomes and expenses and maintain the budget, month in and month out. Fortunately, these days you do not have to do it on paper – there are plenty of tools and apps like Mint that can help you organize your finances, keep track of your spending, and set financial goals for the future.
7. Make Use of Student Discounts
Many stores, online services, and other organizations offer all kinds of discounts and special deals for students, and it would be a shame not to use them. Unfortunately, keeping track of these opportunities on your own can be a little overwhelming, which is why many students generally forgo them. However, you can find plenty of online aggregators that compile thematic lists of these discounts and offer easy ways to collect, filter and analyze them. With their help, you will easily find what you need.
Living on a tight budget is challenging, but it can teach you a lot of things, such as being more resourceful, frugal, and efficient. Consider it a learning experience, and you will be able to see this from a new perspective. With the help of our tips, you can get much more out of what money you have – so utilize it to its full potential!
