Easy and Fun Ways to Save Money as a College Student
When most students enter college they have no idea what they are in for, and they end up broke the first week, but this does not have to e the case. In fact there are several easy ways to save money when in college. This article will discuss many easy and fun ways to save money as a college student, and these tips can make a huge difference in the quality of life for a college student.
Create a Budget and Savings Plan
Saving money starts with figuring out how much money you have and how much money you need. A college student should start by figuring out the total amount of bills they have per month and making a list of the dates the bills are due. A college student should remember to include food, gas, and other essential items they might need. When all of the bills are listed they should total the amount up. This is the cost of living for a college student, and this is how much they will need every month to survive. After a total is reached it should be divided by 4; this is the amount of money a college student must save every week to pay their monthly bills. In order to save money a student should put away at least dollars extra every week, and they will end up with extra money at the end of the month for a cushion. Without a budget and an honest awareness of what a college student spends in a month they can not save money; so all college students should start out by creating a budget and living within their means.
Save Money on Food
Food is another way that college students can spend a lot of money, but there are a lot of easy ways a college student can save on food. Checking out flyers and cutting coupons are always a great way to save on food, and college students should visit discount places such as liquidator stores, dollar stores, and wholesale stores. Another good way to save money on food as a college student is by shopping at wholesale stores with friends, and splitting the bill. Buying in bulk is a great way to save money and have fun with your friends while n college. It is also fun and easy to save money on food in college by creating a dinner making program with friends. Each person can pick a night where they cook a meal for your group of college friends, and this will save on food and time for all college students that are part of the program. Food is a necessity and you can save on food costs as a college student by cooking instead of going out to eat.
Save Money on Cloths and Household Items
Cloths and household items are something that college students need, but they can save in this area of their budget as well. Shopping at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales are a great way for college students to save money. Another fun way to save money of cloths and household items while in college is by organizing a college thrift sale where all college students can trade or sell their unwanted items. This is a fun and easy way to save money as a college student.
Save Money on Gas
Gas is expensive, and students have become accustomed to driving themselves around by the time they are in college, but they can save money on gas by taking a few easy steps. Car pooling is easy when you are surrounded by so many of your peers, and car pooling should always be taken advantage of by students. Riding a bike or walking is another easy alternative to spending money on gas, and many college towns are very close to stores so walking is easy. Saving money on gas is important for college students because every little bit can help.
Save on Housing
Housing is an important issue when you are in college, and housing will probably be a college student’s biggest bill. Many students like to stay in a dorm or rent an apartment off campus. When choosing the housing that is right for you, you should consider having a roommate. As a college student you will be spending most of your time in school, studying, or with friends, and this means you will probably not be spending most of your time at home. Having a roommate is the perfect way to cut your housing costs in half, and this is an easy way to save money as a college student.
Save on Entertainment
Many college students will spend a lot of money going out to bars, movie theaters, pool halls, and other places of entertainment, and college students have to work hard so they deserve entertainment. Although it may seem like entertainment is very costly a little creativity can provide college students with a fun time while saving money. Consider watching movies at home with friends as an alternative to going to the movies. Throwing fun themed dinner parties instead of eating out is a great way to save money. Drinking at home with friends is a lot safer and cheaper than going to the bar as well. There are many fun ways to save money on entertainment as a college student, and all you need is a little creativity.
Saving money as a college student may seem like a challenge; with food, housing, gas, and other essential bills college students may seem overwhelmed by their bills, but there are many fun and easy ways to save money as a college student. Try these easy ideas today, and your quality of college life is guaranteed to improve.
Written by SarahGanly
Freelance writer and artist
tags: College, Easy, Money, Save, student, Ways
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