Saving Money on Basic College Necessities
Friday, May 20th, 2011Sometimes you find out that it’s just not possible to keep up with tuition and pay for your living necessities at the same time. College students can be worried about more things than grades, like worrying, “How can I get cash today so I can eat?” A student can soon learn that tuition costs are fixed, but other basic living costs are not and these are areas where they can save money with a little extra thinking.
Housing
Housing can be really expensive on-campus, so live off-campus or stay with relatives, if possible. By living away from campus, you don’t have to purchase a meal plan so you can save even more money and make your meal costs flexible, too. Before starting up the school year, try to build a simple budget of what you need to spend for supplies, housing, transportation, food, and any other necessities. Then, try to stick to that budget.
Transportation
When you go into school, instead of driving, take the bus. Many people use public transportation it is usually easy to find a stop nearby. If there isn’t a bus line available, look for a commuter train or subway. Subways can be more expensive but it is possible to save money with a commuter pass. If you can’t find a bus stop or train or subway stop, try carpooling with a friend or classmate. If you live on-campus, walk.
Pick Up Additional Income
To make some extra cash, try to get a part-time job. The college can usually set you up with a well-paying job with the library or some other university capacity. If you can’t find a part-time job, try to do like the greats, “Ben and Jerry” and even Mike Dell. These men created their own companies with the idea of getting through college.
Some college campuses have stores that sell student work. This is becoming increasingly popular and has a high demand from student customers. Try to apply for a spot in the student store and then sell your wares there.