CultusCollege can be very expensive, even with financial aid and scholarships. Everything from textbooks, transportation, food, entertainment and supplies, these all cost money. Learning responsible financial management will prove to be important during college years and beyond. College students can avoid creating a large amount of debt by looking for ways that they can save money. If you want to avoid accumulating a huge debt, it is important that manage your money and expenses in a responsible manner. To help you out, here are some ways to save money while attending college.
Make a budget
Creating a budget is a good idea because it’s easy to allow money to fritter away. Don’t spend carelessly. A dinner out with friends here, a nightclub cover cost there, a book you didn’t even know you had to purchase for your class thrown in the mix and all of a sudden you have spent more than you should have. A budget is one of the most important financial lessons you will learn while in college. Having a budget will give you a good idea of how much you are spending each month so that you will know where you can cut back.
Buy textbooks online
Textbooks are a major expense for college students. To minimize that cost, students can skip their campus bookstore and instead buy the books online. There may even be places where you can rent the books you need for the semester. This is often a better approach than purchasing, as you may not be able to sell your books when a later edition becomes available. Look for websites that allow people to rent and buy books for a discount or fraction of the normal cost.
Pool with friends when shopping
Purchasing items in bulk only makes sense if you save money in the long run. In addition, it is usually a good idea to only buy non-perishable items in bulk. If you are unable to afford the cost on your own, find some other students that will agree to pool together funds and buy the item. However, to actually save money, you need to be sure that the items you purchase are not wasted, or used by those who did not contribute money to buy it.
Shop around
There are always better deals if you take the time to shop around. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, shopping for products or services, you will be able to find cheaper prices if you shop around. In addition to spending money for utilities, those who live off-campus may also have to pay for phone, a security deposit, Internet connection, furniture and commuter parking. Think carefully before renting a residential unit.
Considerations
To save money in college, you will need to live within your means. Having a budget and the ability to properly manage your finances can help to lower the amount of expenses you’ll incur. If you practice making wise financial decisions and use effective money management strategies, then you could save money. By using these tips to help you develop responsible spending habits, you will be able to save money while attending college.
This article was written by Eduardo Dueguez who is a content writer at Prestige Tracker. Eduardo is a 1st generation American born Cuban that is currently in pursuit of his AA Degree at Valencia.
