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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

Navigating college life often means finding a balance between academic, social and financial responsibilities. For many students, finding a way to budget their money is an essential skill that can have a profound impact on their college experience. From tuition fees and textbooks to social outings and late-night snacks, expenses can quickly add up and leave students scrambling – but we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of the most useful budgeting tips and tricks, specifically tailored to the college experience! Whether you’re a freshman still getting into your rhythm or a senior seeking to change your spending habits, our advice will help you become financially savvy and make the most of your college years!  

  1. Use Apps to Track Income and Expenses 

Using apps or software to track your money and spending is a great base for getting familiar with your financials. Many universities offer free composition services (i.e. Microsoft, Google, Notion) that are included with enrollment, and these can be used to create a digital spreadsheet to monitor your earning and spending. We recommend creating respective sections of the spreadsheet with spaces to input dates, item names and monetary values to manage where your money is going and coming from. The digital format of a spreadsheet or app may also offer a calculation function, which can immediately total expenses and compare them with income for any given month. 

  1. Identify and Cut Unnecessary Expenses 

Think of substitutions for actions that you do every day, but don’t necessarily need to. This could be anywhere from replacing a daily Uber ride with one on public transit, or cooking dinner instead of ordering takeout. These switches may take a bit of effort to get used to, but they can save a significant amount of money in the long run.  

  1. Explore Free Campus Activities 

Day trips and nights out can quickly add up, posing as both a financial and social burden. However, exploring the free activities that your campus offers can be a good alternative to finding entertainment and exploring your interests. Take advantage of the clubs, programs and performances that your campus provides, as most are likely to be free and formulated for the students, by the students. Some of these organizations may also offer exclusive trips at a reduced price, which can provide enriching social opportunities and academic connections. 

  1. Take Advantage of Student Discounts 

Many companies offer student discounts if you can provide proof of enrollment, and discounts can range anywhere from 5-30% off your purchase. Sites like UniDays offer a variety of student discounts that can be accessed when supplying your university/college email address. 

Remember, budgeting is not about completely restricting your spending, but rather about thoughtfully allocating your resources to make the most out of your goals and desires. Embracing frugal habits and taking advantage of free resources can transform your college years into a time of both insightful personal and financial growth. 

Emily Blickhahn

St. John's '26

Emily Blickhahn is a student at St. John's University in Queens, New York. She is an Adolescent Education major with focuses in Math and TESOL. She loves to workout and go to the gym in her free time.