How to Save Money as a College Student

Saving money in college is vital in order to graduate one step ahead. As a college student, you are in a whole new world. You don’t have a curfew, no one watching your every move, and no one telling you how to spend or save your money.

Save on Textbooks

There are ways to get around having to pay $200 for a college textbook, or spending $500 a month on eating out. College is all about getting an education, and in all reality, doing it with the least amount of debt. 

First of all, textbooks are expensive to purchase, but they are even more expensive if you purchase them from your college bookstore. If you do your preparation before you get to the university, you will know what textbooks are required prior to when you start your classes. There are online websites such as www.half.com, and www.bigwords.com, or eBay, where you can purchase textbooks for sale from other college students. You can also check places such as craiglist.org, locally where you may be able to find the books cheaper and would not have to pay shipping.

Get a Job

One of the first things that you need to do when you get to your college town is look for a job. You will want to do that in advance if possible, because there are going to be a lot of other college kids doing the same thing. The earlier you can land a job the better. That way you can set up a budget and know what your earnings will be for the months you will be at school. 

Pay Your Bills on Time

Another thing that is important when you are in college and trying to save money is to make sure that you pay your bills on time. If you are late on your bills, then you will more than likely get finance charges, which are not included in your budget and add up very quickly.

Walk to School

If possible, avoid using your car frequently. Gas and maintenance is expensive. Use a peddle bike or your feet to get places, or you can even bum rides with friends. But cars are generally expensive, so avoid using them a lot to save some cash. 

Try saving on utilities, such as Internet or phone. Don’t pay for Internet services if your campus offers free Wi-Fi to students. Keep your phone usage to a minimum, and get rid of your Internet on your cell phone if you can get it free from campus. 

Save for the Future

The most important way to save money as a college student is to not spend money you don’t have. Avoid credit cards at all costs. Unless there's a total emergency, do not use credit cards. Unless you can pay for something with money you have, then don’t buy it. Save for it and you will feel better about it.

These tips should help college students save a few pennies. Don’t forget to check receipts and make sure it all adds up at the end of the month.

This post is brought to you by Argosy University. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.