As a senior in college, I have a vast knowledge on how to save while going to school. Granted, I’m no pro, but saving money is like a game for me! The more I save, the more fun the game!
I have developed a list of ways to save as a college student. There are many resources online that go into great detail about ways to save, but these are almost all original. They are tips and tricks that I have used to stay debt free all the way through college!
- Start the habit of saving now: saving money is like earning interest--the money you save now will build on itself. Guaranteed.
- Being a student IS a job: consider it such. Getting an education is like having a full time job. It will pay off when you get into the workforce and start making the big bucks. Work hard, don’t skip class, and do your homework.
- Apply for FAFSA, scholarships, and grants: it really doesn’t take that long. I promise. The best days of my semesters are when I get that $4,000+ refund check because the government and the school pay ME to get an education!
- Utilize free events and activities: colleges are ALWAYS sponsoring free or cheap events for students. Discounts are given for activities with your student ID cards, sports are usually free for students and best of all, college clubs and groups frequently do FREE FOOD days. Be informed about what is happening around your school! For events and activities in Southern Utah, visit the Southern Utah Hodgepodge.
- Find alternative ways to earn money: finding ways to earn money while going to school is difficult, but it can be done.
- Jump on the job market a few months before the semester starts. If you don’t get a job, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of other ways to earn money! Visit the Southern Utah Hodgepodge for job resources in Southern Utah.
- Research places near you where you can donate blood plasma and be paid for it.
- Be a tutor on campus for a fellow student or friend and earn some cash.
- Be a note taker on campus. At most colleges and universities, they need people to take notes for students who can’t physically take notes themselves. You get paid to simply sit in another class and take notes for it. Find out more information at your college student services office.
- Buy your textbooks cheap online and sell them back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Usually you can make a little bit of money! And don't feel bad about. It's not cheating, it's called Knowing Your Resources and Utilizing Them.
- Ask for practical gifts on holidays: does your mom ask 3 months before Christmas what you want to get? My mom does and it really bugs her when I ask for things like toilet paper, laundry detergent, cooking pots and pans, and cereal. What is the fun in getting that? Well, it’s great when you know you won’t have to buy it yourself! Ask for things you NEED. Not just things you WANT.
- Freeze Food: it lasts so much longer and it’s super easy.
- My mom makes a ton of different kinds of soup during the winter. She always puts a couple scoops in plastic bags, lays them flat in the freezer and then gives them to me when I take a trip home. They stack extremely well in the freezer, are super handy, and very yummy! It’s a wonderful treat to have homemade soup on cold snowy days!
- Freeze your bread. It lasts a long time and all you have to do it pull it out and stick it in the toaster and enjoy! It also works great to make sandwiches in the morning for lunch later that day. It keeps it cold but also thaws by the time lunch rolls around.
- Cook and then freeze meat. This works great with hamburger and chicken. Just pull it out of the freezer and thaw it in the microwave or on the stove to get some good protein and a tasty meal in minutes!
- Watch the Bills: turn lights off your lights, find an apartment that has free Wifi, cable etc. Pay your bills on time, and don’t be the one to put your name on bills when you sign up for services. Make someone else do it.
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