Most Effective Ways to Save Money During College
Most people perceive college as a money pit as it can squeeze out your bank account and drain all your investment.
Also, as college is your first experience of living a financially independent life, you may find yourself getting carried away with your spending. However, to survive this stage of academic life, you must learn to put a lock on your wallet. In addition to learning self-restraint, you must also learn the art of making smart choices with your money. The following guide includes detailed tips on how to save money while you are in college:
Purchase second-hand books
College textbooks cost an arm and a leg. The new and updated books can cost up to hundreds of euros. Just this amount can set you back for months. As a result, you are required to adopt a money-saving method which can help you cut costs.
Instead of buying new books, you can visit your local used book stores and buy the same textbook in half the price.
Another initiative that you can take is lending books from seniors. You can request to borrow their textbooks for the rest of the semester. If they are unwilling, you can offer to pay them to rent for the book. This will be a much cheaper option compared to buying brand-new books.
Shop from a grocery store that offers a student discount
Food is another necessity that can drain your budget. If you are used to eating out, it is essential to train yourself to change this habit. Instead, you must learn cooking from YouTube channels. Cooking at home is a lot cheaper than going out to a restaurant. Additionally, as it’s a healthy option, it can also help you reduce your doctor’s bill.
When you shop for food, make sure that you visit a grocery store that offers reduced rates or a student discount. Many supermarkets provide students with a percentage of discount on their purchase once they show their student ID card. You can ask your local supermarkets about the discount’s availability before you visit it.
Find a cheap essay writing service
If you are a student working a part-time job, hiring a write my essay service would be essential. You can carry out your research on the available services, contrast their rates, and select a service that is reliable and economical.
When you are hiring a cheap essay writing service, make sure that the selected company offers a money-back guarantee. Do not settle for a facility that may seem cheap due to its extremely low prices.
Be wise about university housing
The cost of living can also be burdensome on your budget. Hence, it is crucial to research your options before you choose a place to live. In most cities, on-campus living is much cheaper than off-campus living. You can compare the rates in the area, add the cost of commute and pick the most economical option.
Educate yourself on the facilities that the campus offers
The college campus includes various facilities for students. They may not be luxurious, but they get the job done. If you are staying on campus, make sure you do not purchase a membership in a local gym. You can also visit the campus library instead of purchasing research journals for your writing projects.
Carpool with your roommates/ peers
The commute is also a factor that needs to be considered when you are planning a budget. Usually, it is better to use public transport or to ride a bike as it the most economical option. However, if you need to travel for longer distances, the most expedient option is to carpool with your friends and peers. This can divide the cost and make the journey wallet-friendly for everyone.
Apply for scholarships (Need-based and academic based)
Scholarships programs are offered by many universities, as well as organisations for students. You can search for a program that you are eligible for and apply for a scholarship.
Learning to save is essential in your academic as well as professional life. You must learn the art of managing your finances as it is a skill that can come in handy for the rest of your life.
