5 Money saving tips every incoming college freshman need to know

For all you high school seniors out there, be sure to check out how to save a few dollars before heading to college.

You’re at the store picking up some groceries. You get to the cash register but when you go to pay you find that your card is declined. Oh great! You swipe again but those big red letters pop up. That’s when you turn bright red and realize that there isn’t even enough money in your bank account to buy the basic necessities. Embarrassed and ashamed you softly tell the cashier that you no longer need any of it and you run out of the store in hopes that no one could tell you were just another college student trying to buy some milk. I hate to tell you this, but that my friends is college life. College is all fun and games until you realize that school has taken every last cent from you. Between tuition and room & board costs there is hardly any money left over to buy groceries on a weekly basis. It’s pathetic. But don’t fret, there is a way to save a little money in college after all. Shocker, I know! Here are five easy money saving tips that every student needs to know before jumping into freshmen year of college. 

       1. Buy your college essentials early

Heading into your senior year of high school you know for the most part if college is for you are not. If it is, then take advantage of the time to shop. Starting in August and September, stores like Target and Bed Bath & Beyond put all their college dorm essentials on clearance. This is when you should be going crazy! Prices drop to over 50% off. It’s a steal! The year before my freshmen year I bought all my bedding at Target for just $18. It’s pretty amazing the amount of money you can save by just shopping early. Keep a look out and take advantage of the awesome prices on your college dorm room décor while you can.

        2. Buy Estate Sales

Don’t be the fool that buys everything new for college. I have to tell you that whatever you buy for college won’t last a lifetime so there is no need to buy brand new items at full price. Instead of wasting your money buying brand new kitchen accessories or other chairs and furniture for your dorm room or apartment, buy what you need at estate or garage sales. These sales can have practically everything you would ever need at a portion of the price. The great thing about estate sales is that for the most part what you’ll find is in fairly good condition. Check your local listings for estate sales near you to buy what you need instead of wasting your money buying everything brand new.

       3. Don’t buy from the bookstore

Please no, anywhere but the bookstore! You wouldn’t believe the amount of people I know that waste so much money every year buying their textbooks at the overpriced bookstore on campus. Don’t do it! They will rob you and deprive you of all your happiness. Instead of spending all you have at the bookstore search for the books online. Website like Slugbooks and Campusbooks list all the prices available for your books on every site out there. These sites even include possible coupons or free shipping that you might not find elsewhere. Simply just type the ISBN number into the search box and let your savings begin. Ca-ching!

       4. Take advantage of your student ID

Believe it or not, your student ID will be your best friend. Not only does it help you out around campus but your Id can also save you so much money off campus.  There are so many stores and shops out there that give out student discounts like candy. From shopping at your favorite clothing store to taking a bus home for break, it’s easy to save by just flashing your student ID. If you don’t know if a specific store has a discount, don’t be afraid to ask; it could save you a bundle.

       5. Set a budget

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. Setting a budget is the single most important thing to saving money.  If you’re a spender set aside $20 a month to put towards fun extracurricular things like shopping or going to the movies. You might think that $20 is really low but I’m telling you, you can get through the month with only that. Instead of wasting your $20 budget on movies or activities, take advantage of the free activities on campus. This way you won’t run out of the $20 in the first week and might even make it through the month without spending a single cent of it.

Spending money is very easy but unless you want to be caught without food for a week, save while you still can. If you catch your bank account dropping, just remember these five simple tips that will help you save a little extra money in college.