Budgeting for College Students

College and coffee seem to go hand-in-hand. Limit specialty espresso drinks from local coffee shops to a weekly or monthly treat.

Students who frequently rely on coffee to start their day or motivate them to finish a paper at night save a lot of money by purchasing a coffee maker. A traditional coffee maker works well for individuals who love simple black coffee. However, a stovetop espresso maker like a moka pot and a handheld milk frother often costs less than $10. These two tools help anyone become a successful at-home barista.

Many college towns rely on students to boost the local economy. Small businesses and large corporations often offer student discounts, so always carry your student identification card. Many businesses display signage about student discounts. Stores typically provide a 10-15% student discount.

Online services like music streaming subscriptions sometimes provide student discounts too. To qualify for these discounts, learners usually submit their school email address. To help people keep track of all these deals, we maintain a list of stores that offer student discounts.

Students often save money on groceries by implementing a few strategies. For starters, coordinate with a roommate or friend to split certain staple purchases like milk or bread. Meal planning also helps prevent individuals from overspending at the grocery store or frequently eating out.

Comparing prices at various grocery stores allows students to get the best deal. While shopping at multiple grocery stores requires extra time, the savings add up. Some stores participate in price matching programs when a customer presents a valid weekly ad from a competitor business.

Never go grocery shopping while hungry. Hunger can influence you to purchase larger amounts of food or additional snacks.

Rather than throwing or giving away unwanted items, consider selling them to pad your savings. Luckily, individuals no longer need to wait to accumulate enough items for a garage sale before profiting off old possessions. Students often sell items on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace. However, more valuable possessions often sell for a higher price on sites like eBay. You can also list items on more than one platform to increase the chances of a sale.

By getting rid of extra items, you avoid paying for a storage unit. Additionally, students save money on moving expenses with fewer belongings.

When creating a living expenses budget, individuals sometimes overlook small subscriptions, like music streaming subscriptions or digital file storage services. However, these expenses add up.

Luckily, certain apps identify hidden subscription costs. Many students also find that they still pay for subscriptions that they do not use anymore, like a foreign language app or a membership fee to a gym. Always check with your bank before allowing a third-party app to access your bank statements. Use caution when signing up for a free subscription or membership trial that requires credit card information.

Taking a car to college can impact monthly expenses. Even vehicles already paid off still cost money for upkeep, fuel, and parking. Luckily, many college towns remain walkable, with essential businesses located near campus.

Using public transportation also helps students save money. Typically, bus passes cost much less than a single Uber ride. Even mid-sized cities and towns feature public bus networks, and some schools offer free shuttle services across campus. Many students bike around town on sunny days. Many cities offer affordable bike rental services as well.

Going out to eat adds joy and convenience to your day, but costs more than cooking at home. Budget a small amount for eating out and a larger amount for groceries.

When meal planning, choose easy dishes you love with minimal ingredients to avoid the temptation to eat out and waste food. Some meals require less time than driving through a fast-food pickup lane.

Libraries serve many purposes. They offer free resources for completing a research paper or picking up a new skill. Additionally, libraries provide entertaining books and even movies in some cases. Learners unable to afford a computer often take advantage of a library’s technology lab. Certain school libraries offer free tutoring and printing services to students.

When studying at home proves difficult, college students often access public library Wi-Fi or a private study room. Some public libraries offer unconventional items to check out, like household tools or toys for children. Contact a school or local library to learn more about these services.

College students often find ways to stay fit at little to no cost. Many campuses house a recreation center with indoor equipment, tracks, swimming pools, and rock climbing walls. Colleges usually factor the recreation center into tuition or miscellaneous fees.

Even if your campus does not include a school gym, find ways to work out for free. Go on a run at a public park or gather a group of friends for a game of ultimate frisbee. Maintaining your health by working out acts as a type of preventative medicine, which indirectly saves you money on medical bills.