Ways to Save Money at College
College is expensive! Tuition, room and board, fees, books and more can set you back big time. But, those expenses are largely uncontrollable — at least once you see what your tuition and room costs will be and choose to rent your textbooks instead of buying them.
Beyond these factors, you’ll be spending a mint day in and day out just for living expenses. Most expenses may seem hard to manage, but you do have options available to you.
Let’s take a look at some money saving ways for you to save while you’re at college:
7. Yes, the cafeteria food plan is probably the most economical one at your school. If the food is decent, then go with it. If you prefer to eat in your dorm or off-campus apartment, then the cafeteria isn’t an option for you.
8. Invest in a coffee maker. You like good coffee, but those trips to Starbucks will set you back by several dollars. Instead, invest in a very good coffee maker, purchase a premium brand of coffee and keep condiments handy. Buy yourself a travel mug and you’ll be ringing up the savings all year long.[2]
9. Eat the basics. What do students like to eat? Whatever fills their tummy and is easy to make. You’ll be stocking up on all of the cheap stuff including ramen noodles, mac and cheese, oatmeal, peanut butter and juice, so find a local supermarket you like, get their coupon card, and snap up their weekly specials. Check out the store brands – they’re cheaper and often just as good as what the national brands offer even in their basic packaging.
10. Bottled water is pricey and you don’t feel particularly good about disposing of plastic bottles. Invest in a filtered water system if tap water tastes bad or is of questionable safety.
NSA Water Filters