Students have many different problems while in college. Submitting essays on time, passing an IELTS test, gathering information for research papers, juggling responsibilities to get enough credits by the end of the term. Unfortunately, one of many such concerns is getting enough money to make ends meet. Considering the amount of debt most students are already in, it is quite a serious concern. Therefore, saving money is a matter of life and death for many college students, and you do not have to feel bad if it is true for you. In this article, we will share some strategies that can help you get through this difficult period of your life.
1. Never Buy New Textbooks
You will be amazed how much you can shave off your bills if you make a firm decision to avoid buying new textbooks whenever possible. Instead, check out your college library or borrow them from another student. If you cannot avoid it, buy used copies from Amazon or use digital textbooks – it will cost you a fraction of the new textbooks’ price.
2. Make Use of Your Student Discounts
Many companies and services provide all kinds of discounts and special offers for students, both offline and online. These offers range from free tickets to special prices for goods and services. When you make a decision to deal with a company, check if they have such offers; sometimes you will find them in the most unexpected places, like websites offering online essay proofreading.
3. Don’t Own a Car
Having a car is convenient. It can also be quite costly, and if you are looking for ways to save money, you probably should consider giving it up. The money paid for parking fees, gas, insurance costs, emergency repairs, and maintenance can be better used for other purposes. You can always find other, more affordable means of transportation: public transit, Uber, or in a pinch, borrowing a friend’s car.
4. Focus on Your Studies
If you do not get your degree after four years, you will have to spend more time in college. Every extra term is going to be a serious drain on your finances. This means that you save your money by writing every assignment on time and carefully editing and proofreading it to make sure the rater gives you a good grade. Somebody who writes and proofreads his/her English assignments without delays is going to graduate in a much better financial position than his/her tardier counterparts.
5. Find a Part-Time Job
Every dollar you earn while in college is one dollar less to spend from your and your parents’ savings. Therefore, finding a part-time job to earn a little extra money is of paramount importance. Check out your schedule and possibilities, and you will certainly find something suitable. It can be anything from a position at a grocery store to something you can do at home, using your computer or laptop (e.g., an editor, proofreader, or a corrector for an online service).
6. Limit Eating Out
Many students find cafes and other eateries to be a good place to write and proofread an essay or paper without distractions from their friends and acquaintances. However, eating out regularly can become a serious strain on your finances, even if it does not feel like that at the moment. Treat college as a motivation to learn how to cook and find ways to make your supplies last. It will come in handy later on in your life.
7. Explore What Your Campus Has to Offer
Most college campuses offer multiple useful amenities that can give an opportunity to save a great deal of money. It can be anything from gym membership to movie nights – every college is unique in this regard. Check out the website of your university to find out what is offered in your specific case.
8. Do not Use Credit Cards
Credit cards may look and feel like a convenient addition to our everyday life, but for many people, they turn into a lifelong financial trap they fail to escape year after year. As a student, you do not want to get into even more debt, and credit card debt can be quite onerous, especially if you let it accumulate for a long time. If you choose to have a credit card at all, look for one with the lowest possible interest rate, and make sure you only use it if you can fully pay everything off by the end of the month.
Unfortunately, financial problems are a huge part of the college experience for the absolute majority of students. This means that you have to be prepared to deal with them if you want to be successful in your academic career – and we hope that these tips will be of some help!
Was this post helpful?
