No matter where you go and what you study, there is no denying that college is expensive. In addition to the high cost of schooling that leaves many students in debt for years to come, the cost of living on or near campus is often high, as well as other expenses that leave most college students short on cash. Whether you’re a pre-med student with dreams of working in a clinic like ThriveMD or undecided on your major and just trying to figure things out, college students have enough on their plate without having to worry about money. Here are a few simple tips for saving money as a college student than can make budgeting everything a little easier.
1. Eat at the Dining Hall
Most college students cite food and dining expenses as the number one thing they spend money on each month. From dining out at local restaurants to ordering takeout and all of the coffee runs in between, the cost of dining out adds up. Many colleges require students to purchase a meal plan with the cost of tuition, allowing them the opportunity to eat at the dining hall on campus with meal swipes or points. While this might not be your first choice for dining as a student, it is a great way to save money on the cost of food; plus, the meals are probably delicious.
2. Share Streaming Services
If you, like many college students around the country, can’t survive without your subscription to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more, save money on these services by sharing accounts with friends and family. If all of your loved ones agree to pay for one service but give you access to their account, you can still utilize all of your favorite subscriptions while only paying a fraction of the cost.
3. Find a Roommate
Having a roommate at college is not ideal for many students, especially when it comes to living with someone you don’t know. However, sharing the cost of rent with another person can greatly reduce the cost of monthly bills, especially if you opt to live with more than one person; plus, no matter who you choose to live with, there’s no denying that having roommates is more fun than living alone!