5 Ways I save Money as a College Student
Because I’m already in debt😓
1.) I’m an AVID reader as in I have my own library and it’s still growing. How I still indulge my reading habits without breaking the bank is taking frequent trips to the library and buying from ThriftBooks, EBay, and Abebooks. They’re either free or very cheap ($4.67-$20) and the perfect way to keep from going under. After spending a certain amount on some of these sites, you get one or two books free on your next purchase!
2.) Call me high-maintenance, but I L🖤VE to do my nails💅. Going to a salon is not relaxing for me and it’s also so much cheaper for me to do them myself, so that’s what I do. Getting some time once a month in the midst of exams, studying, and classes to do a bit of self-care and express what little creativity I have is ✨essential✨ for my mental health. It also gives me a cute mani without subtracting from my pocket book.
3.) Raise your hand if you spend up to $100 a month on Starbies or Dunkin’ (now Donuts’). I used to be that girl and have been doing it more than I should lately bc I’m always on campus, but one way I save money is making these beverages at home. My sisters and I went shopping and bought tons of syrups, drizzles, and sweetners for under $50 to make our very own venti iced chai latte with 3 pumps of chai and 2 scoops of vanilla bean.
4.) No matter how many clothes or pairs of shoes I have, I’m still a material girl addicted to fashion. Dressing myself stylishly while still adhering to my modesty standards means I’m constantly thrift shopping. Goodwill is a staple where I consistently get 12 items for $60 (and most of them from the men’s section😉). Don’t skip over those lightly loved shoes at your local secondhand shop either bc a few of my favorite pairs were not purchased new.
5.) Last but not least are school lunches. I’m a commuter student so I can’t necessarily fish out $500 per semester for a non-residential meal plan. How I get around that is making my own lunches and bringing them with me. I get to make whatever I want instead of settling for whatever’s on the menu that day, as well as ensure I’m eating a balanced and healthy meal. I bit the bullet and just paid last semester bc I was taking too many classes to have time to cook, but senior year has given me more time to focus on my nutrition and budget.
How do you guys go big without going broke?
#collegelife #bougieonabudget #thriftfinds #coffeeathome #healthylifestyle #mealprep #diynails #nailsoflemon8 #bookshelf #booksoflemon8
It's awesome to see how many creative ways there are to save money while navigating college life, just like the fantastic tips shared in the main article! Beyond making your own coffee and packing lunches (which are total game-changers, by the way!), there's another major money-saving avenue that every student should be leveraging: student discounts. Seriously, your student ID is like a magic key to unlocking savings almost everywhere. While I'm a huge fan of hitting up the library for free books and thrifting for unique fashion finds, I've also learned that actively seeking out student discounts can add up to significant savings throughout the semester. Many businesses, both local and national, offer special pricing just for students. Think beyond the obvious! For example, did you know that many software companies offer heavily discounted or even free versions of their products for students? This can save you hundreds on programs you might need for classes. Tech giants often have educational pricing too, so if you're looking for a new laptop or gadget, always check their student portals first. Movie theaters, museums, and even some public transportation systems have student rates, making entertainment and getting around much more affordable. Finding these discounts is often easier than you think. First, always carry your student ID and don't be afraid to ask! Before making a purchase in a store or online, a quick query like, "Do you offer a student discount?" can often lead to a pleasant surprise. Online platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are fantastic resources that compile a huge range of student-exclusive deals on everything from clothing and food delivery to travel and fitness memberships. I've personally saved a ton on everything from new shoes for my campus walks to ingredients for my homemade meals just by checking these sites. Even when I'm stocking up on supplies for my DIY nail sessions, I sometimes find beauty stores offering a percentage off for students. And if you're not able to thrift every item, some retail stores have student days or special promotions. It’s all about being proactive and remembering that your student status comes with perks beyond just education. By combining smart personal habits with a keen eye for student discounts, you can truly go big without going broke in college!









