75 Easy Ways to Save Money in College

We all know that college can be expensive. Thats what makes locating appropriate scholarships so important (if you havent started applying for scholarships yet or want some simple tips on how to find the best scholarships to apply to, join our free webinar to get the ball rolling). But, even if you do well in landing funds that dont require a debt repayment plan upon graduation, that doesnt always mean all of your expenses are met (or that you want to spend all that money if you dont need to!) Its still important to save money in college.Once the FAFSA has been completed, grants have been awarded, and have the scholarship applications are on their way, it is important to ensure your college student is also making smart money choices to keep their expenses down. So, if you arent sure how to broach the subject of living frugally with your child or you want to have a series of tips to pass down, weve got your back.Here are 75 easy ways you can share with your child so they can learn how to save money in college.Note: There are some affiliate links below, but these are all products I highly recommend. I wont put anything on this page that I havent verified and/or personally used.Before CollegeIf your student is still in high school, here are some money saving options to take advantage of NOW!Have them sign up for Advanced Placement courses to prepare for AP examsCheck into CLEP exams for college creditDual enroll in college courses while in high schoolTuition, Textbooks, and Reference ResourcesAttend community college for the first two years for lower tuition optionsLook into international colleges and universities that may be lower costRent textbooks instead of buyingWhen textbooks must be purchased, buy used instead of newLook for prior editions of textbooks (many times, the information is the same, just rearranged)Use the college libraryUse the public libraryRoom and BoardLive at home instead of on campusSelect the cheapest (safe) apartment or dorm room option a vailableGet a roommateMonitor utility use (turn lights off when leaving a room, dont leave the water running when brushing teeth, etc.)Consider on-campus dining plansLimit eating out- Try $5 Meal Plan to save money when cooking at homeBuy non-perishable groceries in bulk for cost savingsMeal prep in bulkChoose drip coffee over specialty drinksUse rebate apps like Ibottaor Checkout51 to get cash back on things you normally buy (like bread, eggs, you name it.)Sign up for the Walmart Savings Catcherto scan your receipts and receive cash back.Clip CouponsTransportationGo carless and use public transit insteadLook into student transit discountsWalk or bike insteadCarpool!Consider taking the bus or train instead of flying home for breaks (ask about student discounts too)Skip traditional spring break trips for a staycation or volunteer experience that includes transportations, room, and board . Still need to find housing? Try an affordable alternative like AirBnB where people rent out thei r homes at a major discount compared to hotels! I use this all the time both in the U.S. and internationally!Entertainment and CommunicationHave a movie night in instead of going to theatersChoose Netflix or Hulu over cableAttend free social events through the collegeGet a prepaid cell phone planStay within your cell phone plan limits to avoid overage feesUse college Wi-Fi to send emails to friends and family instead of your data planUse Amazon Prime for Students (entertainment AND free shipping!)Avoid buying alcoholic beverages when out (restaurant markups are HUGE)Ask every restaurant, movie theater, mini golf course, etc. if they offer student discountsSee if your local library or parks department offers free entertainment (think music or movies in the park, book clubs, etc.)Gifts and HolidaysMake homemade giftsDo a Secret Santa instead of shopping for everyoneBake a cake instead of buying onePotluck instead of going outAsk for practical items as birthday and Christmas gifts to save moneyClothingShop gently used clothing storesHang clothes to dry instead of using a dryerMake your own laundry detergent and fabric softenerShop clearanceBuy classic, quality clothing instead of following trendsDo a clothing trade with friends instead of shoppingBanking and FinanceFind free checking account optionsTake the free checks offered with new accountsTrack spending to avoid overdraft feesAvoid credit cards with annual fees or other chargesPay credit card balances in fullPay bills on time to avoid late fees and penalty interest ratesStart a change jarElectronics and Other ShoppingLook for student discounts when buying a computerCheck for discounts on software tooBuy a computer that meets your needs and not one with unnecessary bells and whistlesStick with a basic printer over flashy models, especially if you are only printing documentsGet antivirus software to protect your computer and smartphoneDont upgrade your cell phone if your current one still works, even if you a re eligible for upgradeFor states with sales tax, check for any tax-free shopping weeksComparison shop whenever possible, especially through online retailers with free shipping and local storesLive near a residential area? Check out yard salesGo to swap meetsTry Freecycle and the free section of CraigslistHealth, Fitness, and GroomingSee if there is a local free clinic available for basic medical needsUse on-campus exercise facilities, if availableChoose low-cost workout options, like running in the local area, over joining a pricey gymIf you have to join a gym, ask about student discountsChoose hairstyles that grow out well to avoid excessive upkeepCheck into local beauty schools for discounted haircuts and other services or try Groupon for discounted servicesSkip nail salons for at-home manicures (invite friends over, and it can be entertainment too!)Look into low-cost shave clubs for cheaper razorsAs you can see, there are a lot of ways your college student can save money in coll ege while they obtain their degree. In fact, there are likely many more that didnt end up on the list!Do you have a money saving tip that can help a struggling student make ends meet? Please add it in the comments below!Suggested Articles:5 Steps to Negotiate College Tuition and Save Thousands of DollarsThe 3 Scholarship Seasons: When Your Child Should Start Applying for Scholarships5 Things You Need to Know About the Scholarship ProcessThe Complete Reference Guide to Paying for College: FAFSA, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Loans and more