There are so many ways for college students to save! With a little forethought and effort, your student loans will be the only debt waiting for you after graduation.
7 Savings Tips for College Students
As summer comes to an end, college students are getting ready to head back to campus. Along with class schedules, many college students are also looking for how to learn how to save money too! There are so many ways for college students to save! With a little forethought and effort… your student loans will be the only debt (if that!) waiting for you after graduation. Check out these 7 savings tips for college students to get you saving in the right direction.
Rent Textbooks
Times have changed since I was in college and bought my books at the college bookstore- and hoped there were some cheaper used versions still left. Now there are Textbook Rental companies that help you save! You could also check out e-reader options too (see Prime Student below!) or even see if a local library has a few copies.
Sell Clothes to Buy Clothes
College kids seem to love a thrift store find. And consignment and resale shops are not just for baby items. Look through your closet to see if you have an items you don’t wear anymore- or maybe just not your current style. Take them to a consignment shop like Plato’s Closet or send them into online resale site like ThredUP. Then use the money you earned to buy something new. See more of my tips for saving on clothes here.
Make Your Own Food. (Including Coffee)
For those not on a dining plan, start to learn how to be a savvy grocery shopper. Even if you don’t want to use paper coupons, there are so many apps to help you save money on those grocery purchase. Even consider getting a crockpot (mom might have an old one, or could be a thrift store find). Throw the ingredients in before class and you have chili for the big game!
Also skip the pricey coffeehouse! Sure it’s fun for an occasional splurge- but everyday visits will add up. Instead, buy your fave coffee and brew it yourself. (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Seattle’s Best… and more are all sold in the grocery). Coupon and rebate offers are often available to help you save even more. Read more about using coupons here and rebate apps here.
Watch for Restaurant Coupons, Events and Rewards
Signing up for restuarant email and rewards programs and stalking social media accounts of your faves is a great way to save on eating out.
Use Cash!
I know that many of these “tips for how to save” lists will include using credit cards that offer rewards and incentives. But I highly discourage this! College students are the biggest population of those in credit card debt. It just doesn’t feel like you are spending when you swipe that card for late night pizza. Using cash is the best way to make spending real. When you see that cash leave your hand, you know it’s not coming back!
Sign Up for Amazon Student
We all know how awesome Amazon Prime is right?! Well students with a valid .edu email can get these great perks- for less! First start with a 6 month FREE trial. Then if you want the membership, it’s half off! Prime Student includes the same 2 day shipping, tons of free streaming options and even some deals just for students. Read more about Amazon Prime Student here.
Look for Special Promotions on New Services
Often online stores and services will offer special introductory prices to try them out. For instance, on jet.com, right now new users can save $10 off their first 3 $35+ purchases and get Free Shipping. And check to see if Walmart Grocery is in your area. They are also offering $10 off your first $50 pickup purchase. The good thing about using these online services, you won’t be tempted to make spur of the moment purchases. See more about the Jet offer here and Walmart Grocery here.
Hey college students (and their parents), What are your fave ways to save!?
Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your creative and savvy savings tips too!
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