Aside from tuition and books and dorm fees, and clothing and fees for utilities, college students still have a lot of expenses to think about and prepare for. After all, university life is the beginning of their life as financially responsible, or even financially independent, adults.
There are a million and one ways that college students can extend their finances for spending. However, not all of that million (and one) will work for everybody. Besides, if you do follow every bit of advice you hear about money saving, you will probably be a walking and talking thrift shop, which will most likely hurt your image. Imagine if you are a guy asking a girl out on a date and while planning what to do, you whip out a pen and a paper and start calculating how much you can spend, then telling her you will have to split the cost. Now, wouldn’t that be so cool. Not.
Below are some techniques you can employ to be able to save on your student finances and still enjoy your university life.
The money that you spend on food would probably eat out the biggest chunk of your budget. You cannot be out of food if you are studying for a major exam, or even a minor one, or even if there’s no exam at all. Your brain will not function too well without proper nutrition you get from food.
Grocery stores do have sales and it’s about time you took advantage of this. Be aware of letters, pamphlets, or flyers sent through post or being passed on around campus or in the store itself. You are bound to find better deals on snacks and food staples like bread and meat.
If you are rooming in with someone or if you have housemates, you can split the food bill but make sue that everyone is getting his or her fair share. Try not to buy too much junk food. They are unhealthy and do not help your brain in any way except make you more drowsy with every bite of mono sodium glutamate they normally have. Pizza and burgers are junk food too, and much more expensive than healthier counterparts. If you are craving for a burger or a pizza, you can always make your own less expensive and more nutritious version.
Going out and eating in restaurants need not be such a wallet buster. Most restaurants serve very large portions which can be shared by two or three people. If you are going out in a big group, order two or three plates first and see whether anybody else is hungry before ordering for another set.
Lastly, do not go shopping for food when you are hungry. When you’re stomach is grumbling, there are much more food that you will find appealing. You will end up buying more food items than you really need and they will more likely than not, rot in the fridge.