Student Saving Tips

Being a student at college can be the most rewarding time of your entire life. There are new people to meet, fascinating classes to attend, and lots and lots (and lots and lots) of partying to be done at bars, clubs, and the chaotic apartments of your new friends and acquaintances. Living as a student in a city is also pretty amazing: getting involved with political activities is basically inevitable, as is becoming deeply embedded in the arts scene, even if that means going to your fair share of terrible shows and gigs.

That said, there’s one thing about being a student that is universally challenging: money. Being able to do all the things you want means spending money, and when you don’t have money to spare, that can be a huge issue. Here are a few quick and easy tips for saving money as a student.

Be Smart About What You Buy

Though it may be tempting to purchase what you want, when you want, and have the best of everything, that simply won’t fly on a tight student budget. However, that doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself what you need to live. 

The key is to be smart about what you need to buy when you need to buy it. Of course, you’ll need a computer for your classes, but there are plenty of cheap laptops to choose from that will offer you all the functionality at a fraction of the cost. When it comes to clothes, try shopping at thrift shops instead of at the mall – you’ll often find amazing brand items, and you won’t look the same as everyone else at the bar, which is a huge bonus!

Seek Out Student Pricing

Everyone remembers what it was like to be a poor student. That’s why lots of businesses and brands offer student discounts or host special student nights where the prices are lower to help those going through college for the first time have a life without breaking the bank. 

Most cities and university areas have a comprehensive list of these deals; just have a quick search around the Internet and you’ll find that someone has already done the work of compiling them for you. Whether it’s a bar with a special Wednesday two-for-one drinks deal, a restaurant that offers 20% off when you show your student card, or a store that has special giveaways and rewards programs for students only, there are plenty of ways to get a bang for your buck if you’re a card-carrying, poverty-stricken student.

Pick One Night A Week To Stay In

This seems simple to do, but as a student, it can be hard to turn down invites to parties, gigs, or other events. One easy way to make sure you’re not spending too much money – and to make sure you are focused on your studies, too – is to pick one night a week to stay in and stick with it!