MySavings Tips
“I have a Student ID, is there a discount?” this should be your mantra for the years to come.
Computer Hardware and Software
Student discounts are often available on college campuses for computers and software. Check with the bookstore.
Buy as little computer as you can that will get the job done. While the latest and greatest may look intriguing, it is not where you will save the most.
Consider a refurbished laptop if funds are limited.
Odds are you don’t need an extended warranty, or other extras, when purchasing a computer.
Make sure you have anti-virus and firewall protection to ensure your computer remains operational. There are good freeware and shareware products available; ask someone you know for assistance, if you need it, when it comes to choosing a product.
Buy a portable disc drive and use it for printing. Printer cartridge refills and paper can be expensive to buy, so use the free printing services that are provided at the library or other areas on campus.
Clothes
Try to buy all your clothes for the semester in the summer before you actually go to school; this way you don't need to buy clothes at school. No one ever knows what to get college students for gifts so suggest Gift Cards to your favorite stores. These can be used throughout the year, as needed.
Entertainment
Watch TV and DVD’s on your laptop. Buy good speakers, a DVD/CD Player and Monitor for you computer, and there will be no need to pay for cable service.
An IPOD is all you need for music; plug into your computer speakers and enjoy.
Look for free screenings or movies on campus. If you go out, go to the Matinee, as it is usually the cheapest. Join Nextflix or other DVD services with friends; share the movies and the cost.
Join Clubs on campus, it’s the best way to fill your free time and get involved on campus.
Start a Study Group Theme Night. Have pot-luck and study all at once. A group helps you stay focused on the primary reason you’re in college.
Volunteer or serve as a tutor, giving to those in need is very fulfilling and a great use of free time. It also reinforces knowledge basics for you.
Visit your college or city library. In addition to a place to study, they have the latest magazines, books and some even have movies you can check out.
Food
Use the meal plan, if you have one, and it has been pre-purchased. While eating in the cafeteria may not be that exciting, it is often subsidized by the school and cheaper than you can eat elsewhere.
Buy a small fridge; it is well worth the investment for staples and leftovers.
Take free condiments and extras when offered, for later use.
Buy a decent coffee maker or even a small espresso/cappuccino machine; making your own coffee can lead to huge savings.
Recycle water bottles and drink tap water. Unless you have been notified not to drink the water on campus, odds are it’s safe.
Oatmeal, cheese, bagels and peanut butter are examples of inexpensive and filling foods that you should keep in stock.
Split the cost when ordering a pizza and ask for specials and/or coupons.
Coupons for restaurants and food are widely available. Check the ads in the school paper, your local Sunday paper, or on-line at www.onlinecoupons.com, www.moneymailer.com, or www.coolsavings.com and use them. Coupons are a great way for your family to be involved, they know what you like and may need, so ask them to clip weekly coupons for you and send them.
Fast food dollar menus are cheap, stick to them if you can.
Sit down restaurants can be expensive when you go with a group. Ask the restaurant what their minimum table size is before automatically adding gratuity, and sit accordingly. You may order a smaller amount and you do not want to be paying the tax and gratuity on what other people are eating or drinking. You may also want to order a larger meal and split it for savings. Check with the waiter first to make sure there is no fee for splitting a menu item or splitting the check. If there is, ask the waiter if it can be waived.