There’s much to love about going to college, but there’s no denying the fact that it’s hard to have the time of your life when you’re low on cash. It’s important that you’re thinking about additional ways to save money in college so that you can enjoy yourself every once in a while to break up the long semesters of hard work.
Going to college has a big impact on your bank balance, but just by incorporating a few smart strategies into your lifestyle you can find ways to save money in college. While you don’t need a lot to have fun in college, the more money you’re able to save the better. It can reduce stress and allow you to be prepared for unexpected expenses or fun adventures with your new friends!
In this blog, we’re going to look at six of the best ways that you can save some money in college.
Live Close to School
You’ll be living off-campus, sure, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be miles away from campus. Since you’ll have to go to your classes each day, it’ll be best for your bank balance if you choose an off-campus housing near Ohio University that’s close to school.
This way, you won’t have to spend quite as much as on gas for your vehicle or tickets for public transportation just so you can make it to class. In fact, you can even stay close enough where you can walk to your classes.
Share with Others
You’ll find that you’re spending much more money if you’re living alone. Think about it: you’ll have to cover the entirety of the rent yourself, as well as the cost of the internet and other household expenses. So why not find others to share expenses with instead?
You’ll find that this almost instantly cuts your living expenses in half. You can make things even cheaper by not only sharing your apartment, but your room. The prospect of saving money won’t be the only appealing aspect of sharing your space, however—you’ll find that it can be a lot of fun to live with others. Who knows, you might just make lifelong friends!
Make Your Own Food
If it were up to you, you might eat out for every meal, but at certain times in your life, namely when money is tight, that’s just not a realistic option. While you’ll be busy with your schoolwork and doing things with friends, it’s worthwhile to take the time to cook your own meals.
You can treat yourself to a meal out every now and again, but your go-to meals should be homemade simply because it is incredibly cost effective. If you’re finding this difficult, do some research to find meals that appeal to you to try and improve your relationship with cooking. Don’t think of it as a chore but something that can be fun.
Look for Grocery Ads and Coupons
Of course, it’s not as if making food at home is free. You still need to buy the ingredients. But how much you spend on those ingredients can vary significantly. If you’re just going to the supermarket and filling your cart with anything and everything you like, then you’ll end up spending a lot.
If you make a list of the items that you need, and nothing more, then you’re more likely to stay within budget. If you look for grocery ads and coupons, then you’ll save even more money. It can take a little bit of time to source the coupons, but not enough to disrupt your day; the time it takes to find deals is worth it if you end up saving money.
Second-Hand Textbooks
Depending on the subjects you’re studying, you might find that you’re spending a lot more money on textbooks than you’d like. They really can add up the longer you go to school! Instead of buying brand new books, look at buying second-hand instead.
You’ll pay much less compared to buying new, and once you’re done with the book, you’ll be able to turn around and sell them, recouping some of your investment.
Take Care of Your Apartment
Apartments don’t look after themselves; it’ll be up to you to ensure that nothing goes seriously wrong with yours. If you can do this, then you’ll be able to avoid costly apartment repairs. It’ll also ensure that you’ll get your full security deposit back when you finally leave the apartment.
Take the tips that we’ve outlined above, and you’ll find that you’re able to keep your living expenses under control. Pay attention to what you’re spending money on, and give thought to how you can continue to save.
Contact Wharton Rentals today to find affordable off-campus housing near Ohio University.
