Five things that help college students save green

Presiana Dawson
Staff Writer

College students have a hard enough time dealing with staying on top of academics including constant homework, studying and other mind straining activities. When it comes to getting the best for a buck, students need to use that same brain power to save money.  Waste not, want not is my motto.

These are the top five things that can help relieve some of the stress on the poor college student’s brain and pockets.

 

1. Take advantage of free entertainment on campus.  

Many college students waste unnessesary money on entertainment every month when the university provides all types of free fun. Free movies are shown periodically in the Student Center, with free snacks as well. The Game Zone in the Student Center is always a hub of free activities.  Many of the residence halls sponsor game and movie nights as well. All these events are posted and announced on the JSU website or my personal favorite in The Blue & White Flash, check them out.

 

2. Avoid extra fees and charges.

This is a practice that will help you for years to come.  If you have a credit card, pay the monthly balance to avoid late fees.  Don’t overdraft your bank account. If you know you don’t have the money, go without it until you do, bank fees add up quickly.  In college there are many things individuals like to do make their rooms feel like home but the risks of chipping the paint and putting holes in the walls can cost students at the end of the year. To avoid potential damage and extra charges, use Command Strips to hang those decorations that make your room YOUR room.

 

3. Eat in, not out.

To avoid eating out every night, students should not just invest the usual college student meal, ramen noodles. Buy real foods like rice and chicken that can be easily be cooked in the microwave safely. This will help for those days you are not feeling cafeteria food but don’t have the budget for the restaurants around town. Many of us have a meal plan, but don’t use it. You paid for it, you might as well get your money’s worth.

 

4. Thrifting is not just a fad, it’s smart.

For those students who do not mind second hand things, thrifting is for you. Lately, thrifting has been something that many students have grown accustomed to. They get entirely new wardrobes by going to second hand stores. For those students living on their own, you can venture to a second hand furniture store for things such as end tables, lamps and various other household appliances that may help with making your house into a beautiful home. Ebay, Amazon and many other sites provide an opportunity for students to buy just about anything they need at lower prices.

 

5. The dollar store is your friend. 

The dollar store is a great place to go for simple necessities such as cleaning supplies and other things that are needed for your home, car, etc. The dollar store is sometimes frowned upon but do not be misled, the dollar store has many of the name brands you are accustomed to at cheaper prices and other store brand merchandise that works just as well.