Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Corynn
Finding it hard to save money as a college student? Or low on cash? Here are 11 hacks to saving money in college.
This blog post is about hacks to save money in college
What Are Some Good Ways To Save Money In College?
Here are a few ways on how you can save money as a college student without going broke!
1. Saving The Money You Already Have
If you accumulated some money over the summer, try your best to spread out your savings to last you for a while.
2. Get A Part Time Job
Have some free time in your schedule? Look into getting a part time job. You can find jobs on indeed, or through your college community.
3. Budget
Try and budget the amount of expenses you have. Can you cut back on a few things? Or finding an affordable price for the product you have?
Here is a list of the best budgeting apps for students:
- Mint
- Wally
- EveryDollar
- Simple
- Fleur Budget Planner
- Walet
- Buddy: Budget & Save
4. Save Money On College Expenses
There are so many ways on how you can save money within your college expenses. This could be on textbooks and materials you need for your classes.
Try to avoid going to the college bookstore, since a lot of the items are overpriced. You can find college supplies at a discounted price through facebook marketplace, Amazon, or buying it off a student who previously took the class.
Another way to save money on college expenses is only buying the necessities you need for the year. Check out my blog post about all the college supplies you will be needing while attending school.
5. Save Money On Food And Drinks
If you live on campus, you probably already have a meal plan that you are using. If not, you truly want to save money on food and drinks. You can look for coupons, search the flyers for sales, and possibly buying off-brand items.
In addition, limit the amount of times you order fast food and purchase coffee. Really try to make your food and drinks at home.
6. Save Money On College Entertainment
Throughout your years in college, you will be invited out to events and parties from time to time. Going to a lot of events tends to become pricey in your budget.
If you want to have the party life and save money as well, look into limiting the amount of events you go to.
Cut back on going to an event once or every other week to limit your spending.
7. Save Money On Transportation And Travel
If you’re a college student who does not live on campus, this one’s for you. Looking for another way to save money in college? Take the public transit!
Spending money on gas and uber trips can be really expensive (look at the cost of gas these days!).
Look into using the public transit as a way to save money and help the environment along the way.
8. Side Hustle Ideas To Make Money Fast
Have a busy class schedule to the point you can’t fit in a part time job? Look into starting a side hustle!
Side hustle are great for college students to do because of their flexible schedule. Here is a list of side hustle jobs:
- Tutoring
- Selling products
- Affiliate marketing
- Blogging
- UGC (User-generated content)
- Virtual assistant
- Social media management
- Food delivery
- Grocery Shopper
- Take surveys
- Freelancing
- Nannying
A few of these jobs you can do in between classes, on the weekends, and during school breaks.
9. Apply For Grants
Yes, you can still apply to grants while attending college. Research various grants that are geared toward students attending college. Some grants give you a lump sum of money, and others help you with your college tuition.
10. Use Your College ID To Get Discounts
You have no idea the amount of perks we have with our college IDs! You can get discounts on food, clothing, admissions, insurance, and so much more!
Whenever you are at the store or purchasing something online, inquire their college discounts. 90% of the time they usually have a discount off their original price.
11. Sell Items And Services
One thing I did in college was sell my old items. This was a great way to make an extra couple bucks. For instances, you can sell; textbooks, clothing, or appliances.
Another way you can make money is by selling services in something you are really good at doing. This could be writing, transcribing, cleaning. Whatever you are good at!
We now live in a world where our skills can make us extra cash!
