Hello fellow students! It’s no secret that college life isn’t always the life of champagne and caviar—unless you replace caviar with instant noodles and champagne with… well, more instant noodles. But fear not, here are 10 money-saving tips that will help you keep your bank account out of harm’s way. And trust me, your wallet will thank you.
Cook Yourself
Cooking can seem intimidating at first – especially if your only previous experience is heating up microwaveable meals. But with some practice (and a few YouTube tutorials), you’ll soon be cooking your own nutritious and inexpensive meals. Besides, nothing says “grown up” like being able to cook a meal that consists of more than two ingredients.
Use Student Discounts
We all know student ID is more than a bad photo of you – it’s also a golden ticket to discounts! From clothing stores to technology, there’s a sea of discounts out there to be discovered. Use them!
Invest Wisely in Technology
As a student, a reliable laptop is often a necessity. However, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune. Look for the best laptop for students that you can get within your budget. You can also sometimes find a student discount here.
You can also look at used laptops. It is important that you do research into which specifications you really need for your studies. A cheap laptop with less powerful specifications may be sufficient for your needs.
Buy Used
Forget the latest trends – vintage is in, and it can save you a lot of money! Whether it concerns books, clothing or furniture, second-hand can always be found.
Misuse
Nothing says ‘Dutch student’ like cycling through wind and weather. Not only is it a great way to stay in shape, but it also saves you a ton of money. Public transport with your OV card is nice, but it is not always valid and if you end up with your studies you will no longer have one.
Share Living space
It’s not always easy to share a space with others, but it’s easier on your bank account. Plus, you get free company – whether you like it or not.
Limit Going Out
No one wants to spoil the fun, but going out can be a big drain on your budget. Try to limit it, or get creative with cheaper alternatives. House party, anyone?
Manage Your Subscriptions
We all have that one friend who pays for every streaming service, right? Don’t be that friend. Keep an eye on your subscriptions and make sure you only pay for what you actually use.
Use the Library
Yes, libraries still exist! And they’re full of free books and other resources (fast wifi!). So why spend money on expensive textbooks when you can borrow them?
Create a Budget
Budgeting may sound boring, but it’s the best way to figure out where all your money is going. (Hint: It’s probably that coffee-to-go you buy every day.)
Sell What You Don’t Need
That guitar you bought when you thought you were going to be a rock star? To sell! That pile of books you’re never going to re-read? Sell them. It’s a great way to make some extra money and free up space.
Those are 10 ways to save money as a student. And remember, college life isn’t about how much money you have, it’s about the experiences you get. So, save where you can, but don’t forget to also enjoy this unique time in your life. And hey, instant noodles aren’t that bad, are they?