College is expensive—there’s no way around it. But there are ways to save money as you gear up for another school year and put some aside to help you pay for your higher education. From finding scholarships and grants to cutting costs on everyday expenses, here are some tips to help you save money as a student this year.
1. Find scholarships and grants
One of the best ways to save money while in school is to find scholarships and grants to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. There are many different types of scholarships and grants available, so do your research to see what you’re eligible for. You can start by checking out dedicated websites like CollegeXpress, which offers different back-to-school scholarships and contests each year—all of which can be found using their Scholarship Search tool. When searching for scholarships, make sure to specify your location, field of study, and other relevant criteria to narrow down your results.
Related: 6 Quick and Easy Ways to Find More Scholarships
2. Cut costs on everyday expenses
There are plenty of ways to cut costs on everyday expenses as a student. For example, you can cook at home instead of eating out, take public transportation instead of driving, and buy used textbooks instead of new ones. Also keep an eye out for back-to-school sales, promotions, and coupons at your favorite stores for clothes, school supplies, and more. Every little bit can go a long way, so always make a point to save anything you can on your everyday expenses.
3. Get a part-time job
If you have some free time, consider getting a part-time job at the beginning of the school year to help offset the cost of college. You can work in a variety of places, from retail stores to restaurants or even online. There are many job opportunities available these days, so find one that works best for you and your schedule. A part-time job also gives you great experience to put on a résumé for future endeavors.
Related: Part–Time Jobs and Money-Making Ideas for Students
4. Take advantage of student discounts
Many businesses offer student discounts, so be sure to take advantage of them when you can. This can include discounts on clothing, food, travel, and more. All you need to get money off is a valid student ID, so be sure to bring it with you when you shop. We also recommend checking out Student Universe coupons, where you can find discounts on clothing, food, travel, and more right on your computer.
5. Create a budget
One of the best ways to save money while in school is to create a budget—and stick to it. Figure out how much money you have coming in and going out each month, then adjust what you’re budgeting for as needed. This will help ensure you don’t overspend and end up in debt. If you know you have $500 in monthly expenses but only $400 in monthly income, you’ll need to find ways to cut costs or bring in more earnings. Creating a budget is a great way to keep track of your finances and make sure you’re making the most of your money.
Related: Budgeting Best Practices All Students Need to Learn
Saving money in high school or college can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Students just have to use a little discipline and utilize their planning skills to do it. By following these tips, you can minimize your expenses and have a great start to the new school year.
We’ve got a lot more advice on earning extra cash and creating a budget where that came from. Check out the “saving money” tag to learn more!
