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Life

14 Ways to Save Money as a Struggling College Student

Chantelle Boateng
Bianca Nitti
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utica chapter.

Here are some helpful tips to help you succeed as a college student with a tight budget!  With these helpful tips, you can save some money while still doing things you love!

1. Monitor your bank account weekly.

Keeping an eye on your account allows you to know how much you can or cannot spend.

2. Start a savings account.

This allows you to put money aside for the future or for emergencies. Tip: Put $10 dollars in your savings each time you get your paycheck. If you get paid every other week (26 checks per year), that’s an easy $260 in your savings.

3. Don’t spend money you don’t have.

Buying things just because they are cute is not the best way to save money. Also, don’t give in to peer pressure and buy things just because your friends are buying things. Tip: Put $100 aside and choose one day in a month to splurge with friends without going over budget.

4. Online sales are your best friend.

Keep a lookout for sales from your favorite stores to get some great discounts on things you want.

5. Download discount apps.

Apps like Unidays give students who much need extra discounts on full-priced items. RetailMeNot is also a great discount app.

6. Do the yearlong $5 challenge.

Every time you receive a $5 bill, put it aside in a piggy bank. Before you know it, you will have more money than you will know what to do with.

7. Sell things you no longer need.

Sites like Poshmark allow individuals to sell clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories they no longer want at prices convenient for them. You’ll de-clutter your closet and earn money at the same time.

8. Limit the number of times you eat out.

Constantly ordering out adds up quickly. Limit yourself to choosing one or two days a month to order in or eat out. Tip: eat in the dining commons to prevent spending money on food.

9. Make a shopping list and stick to it.

Lists will ensure you buy only the necessary items you need without going overboard and buying things you have no use for. It’s also important that you don’t shop hungry!

10. Buy things in bulk.

Many stores typically offer bulk discounts for things like feminine products and other necessities rather than buying them individually. 

11. Rent your textbooks if possible.

Renting textbooks are much cheaper rather than buying them. Plus, you get to return them at the end of the semester, so you don’t have to worry about clutter.

12.  Watch out for entertainment deals.

 Many entertainment services offer student discounts. For example, signing up for a Spotify premium for students comes with free Hulu. You will also be paying only $4.99/month. ://www.spotify.com/us/student/

13. Buy clothes in the opposite seasons or on clearance.

Clothes are much cheaper when you buy winter clothes in the summer and vice versa because demand is lower.

14. Sign up to be a rewards member at your favorite stores.

Rewards members often get certain deals that everyone else does not, just for receiving a few emails.

 

 
Meet Chantelle, I am Chantelle,currently a Junior at Utica College majoring in Public Relations and Journalism to receive my Bachelors of Science degree. I am the treasurer for the Residence Hall Association at Utica College, in which i help students to improve the environment of their residence halls by fundraising to bring enjoyable and inclusive activities to residents.I believe that helping to improve the residence halls will allow students to not only appreciate, but respect their living spaces. I work in the Writing center as a tutor. I am a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and a sister of Theta Phi Alpha.
Bianca Nitti

Utica '20

Meet Bianca, I am currently a Junior at Utica College in Utica, NY.  I am a Criminal Justice major with a concentration in Homeland Security.  Crime investigation has always been something that interests me.  I’m dedicated and passionate and it’s hard for me to quit things. I get that from my father so don’t hold it against me- he was a veteran and police officer for 20 years.   Growing up in a family centered around law enforcement has helped guide me in this direction, and I will forever be grateful.  After graduation I intend to continue on to law school where I can further my education in hopes of becoming a criminal defense lawyer and later on a District Attorney.  An interesting fact about myself is that I found the passion to be a criminal defense lawyer from watching the O.J. Simpson case.  The facts and conspiracy theories evoked a whole new passion behind criminal investigation that I intend to use in my future.  One of my most prominent moments in my writing career was when I wrote for an online magazine and had my most prevalent article hit 1.6k shares.  I believe in treating people with the same kind of respect and manners you would expect in return, and in a way it has helped shaped my expectations in life.   When you first meet me I won’t be the loudest in the room or the center of attention, but I will be intently listening to everything you say, for what you have to say may have a purpose. I believe in purpose. I believe that everyone is here to help you grow into who you are today and who you will be tomorrow.