It’s back to school season, which means one thing for college students – you’re going to spend a bundle on textbooks, new clothes, and supplies for your dorm room.
It’s easy for these expenses to get out of hand, especially when you’re living on a college student’s budget. Here are a few simple ways to afford everything you need, without having to go back on the all-Ramen diet.
Shop The Sales
Seeing a massive markdown can get your card-swiping fingers itching, but you have to be smart about the sales you take. A sale shouldn’t be an excuse to buy something frivolous. Instead, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on essentials at a decent price.
Take advantage of a good sale to buy essentials like a warm winter coat or a pair of boots that will last a few seasons. Try to buy your laptop (definitely a must for college) on a good sales weekend like Cyber Monday. Don’t get suckered in by sales and buy things you don’t really want or need, no matter how awesome the deal is.
Compare Prices
The Internet is your friend whether you are shopping for textbooks or a new laptop. Textbooks are often drastically overpriced in the school store, so be sure to check online before you buy! Sometimes students who are done with their textbooks will sell them online for rock-bottom prices.
Comparing prices is especially useful when buying electronics. Some stores will price match Internet vendors, so you can avoid paying shipping costs and still get a great deal.
Use the Internet to see if you’re being overcharged for any expensive, big-ticket item before you spend a ton on it.
Coupon Coup
Coupon clipping calls to mind suburban moms buying bulk toilet paper. It may not seem glamorous, but a few simple coupons can save you hundreds of dollars – and after a few weeks in your dorm, you might realize bulk toilet paper is a better deal than you expected!
The Internet can help you find coupons for practically anything you could want. Websites such as Couponsleap find coupon codes from all over the web. Whether you are going grocery shopping or looking for a big TV for the dorm, be sure to Google coupon codes for it. It will only take a few minutes at the most, and you could end up saving a huge percentage off your final total.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Follow these easy tips to pay for your college expenses without breaking the bank. Every dollar you save can go towards your tuition, a meal outside of the dining hall, or – don’t tell mom – beer money.
Many college students struggle with budgeting, but by taking care of the necessities, you can save big bucks while still living in comfort. And, best of all, you won’t have to eat Ramen every night to do it.
Additional resources:
– Trying to make sense of your finances – check out Boro Review
– Returning to college as an older adult – why it’s worth it
– Tips on how to save money in college
