Saving money seems like a pipe dream for many students. With tuition, supplies, travel and a modicum of socializing, scholastics feels like spending dollars on the premise of making dimes. Still, with a few easily seared corners from buying used/borrowing to thrifty eats, many cash-strapped undergrads use these basic principles to prepare for rainy days.
“I do (these things) on a day-to-day basis, saving the most amount of money so I can use (it) to purchase and do other things I really enjoy,” notes Robert Cerjanec, President of Founders College Student Council, at York University in Toronto.
Of course living at home is always the most financially feasible prospect, provided it’s an option and doesn’t destroy you psychologically.
Borrow from the library
“Most course (text)books are available either on the shelves or in the reserves,” Cerjanec smiles, adding that even nights in can be free if one utilizes the library DVD/CD collection.
Bring food from home
Live at home? Pack a lunch and a thermos. On campus? When home, shop at the original Mom ‘N’ Pop’s, provided you don’t clean them out.
Share pitchers
You can’t be a hermit, but go for value when socializing. Campus pubs generally offer student discount nights, which become even cheaper when dividing the cost of drinks.
Buy used/sale items
From texts to textiles, used means inexpensive. Cerjanec offers thrift stores as an option. “It might be harder to find what you want, but if you look, you can find some really nice clothes at a fraction of the cost either on the sale rack or at a recycled clothing store.”
