Tips to Reduce Spending on Campus

Heading for College or University?  There are new responsibilities and decisions to consider.  Adapting to the rigors of university campus can leave your bank account a bit thin.  Here are a few tips to help you to save money while attending college. 
 
Know What You Spend
Before heading out the door with your new found sense of independence, have a look at your spending habits.  Although you can’t spend what you don’t have it is nice to know where your money is going.  Besides putting all your spare change into a jar there are other ways to save money while at University.

 
Make a list of all existing monthly expenses. This will give you an idea of your current spending habits.  Include:
 
• Outstanding debts,
• Loans
• Entertainment, movies
• Clothing, shoes
• Electronics and cell phone
• Incidentals
 
Likewise, include a list of monthly income from any work or commissions that you receive.Once you know what you spend and where your money goes, and how much money you are bringing in, you will be better educated on where you can cut back or reduce your spending.   After a quick investigation you may realize that you are paying too much and can cut back on spending, or in the case of a cell phone change providers.
 
Don’t Use a Credit Card
 
Having a credit card opens the door to over spending.  Having a card is convenient but irresponsible use can lead to over spending and encourages you to buy things just to ‘go along’ with your friends.  If you have a card, do your best to pay off the balance at the end of every month.  This avoids paying substantial interest fees.
 
Save Money on Food
 
• When possible, eat at the school cafeteria.  Ordering pizza and other delivery options have a premium on them and should be avoided if you are trying to trim your living expenses.  Eating out at restaurants is expensive and should be avoided.  If you want a special meal it may be less costly to cook it yourself.
 
• Do you own grocery shopping.  Buying in bulk and on sale items can reduce your overall grocery bill. 
 
• Shop on a full stomach. When doing your food shopping, never shop on an empty stomach.  If you shop when you are hungry you are more apt to purchase non essential items, candy and treats and it makes you buy more stuff.
 
• Use coupons.  Buy one; get one free coupons are often available in newspapers and grocery flyers.  These are great money savers for toilet paper and other non-perishable items.
 
• Make your own coffee.  Buying Starbucks every day will add up.  Brewing your own coffee can save a substantial amount of money over a course of a year.  Also you can experiment with different types of coffee.
 
Save on Books
 
When shopping for books, research online.  Don’t let the lack of money shorten your aspirations for higher learning.  Just be inventive and you will find the best alternative.  New resources, like Chegg are springing up all over the internet that allows you to rent textbooks.