by Lokemun Magar

Created on: November 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2010

What are easy ways to save money as a college student? When you ask yourself why you, as a college student, need to save money, the easy ways become obvious. The cliche saving for a rainy day applies even to today especially when plastic money and electronic spending are commonplace.

As a college student, expenditure can be rather sporadic if you allow social life to take precedence, and there are fixed times when expenditure rises to a high, as before the start of a new college year, and new books, stationery, clothes and lodging exhaust much of your savings.

The excitement of going to a college and staying on your own, or going to your first adult-like party is bound to send bills piling high. It is therefore important to ensure that frugality becomes a way of life before you lose control of your spending.

Here are simple ways to save money as a college student:

1. Focus on getting a college degree.

When you get your priorities right, you will not quite be tempted to spend your time on activities that take you away from your studies and siphon your money away. By focusing on your studies from Mondays to Saturdays, you are unlikely to spend much during the weekends as an exhausted brain demands rest during the weekends.

2. Have a shared meal plan.

Some college grounds provide delivered catering while others demand that food be consumed at canteen within the campus grounds. Eating with a fixed group of friends ensures you get the right company at meal times, proper nutrition, and a variety that you may not be able to afford when you eat on your own. If you have to prepare your own meals, have a group of friends to share food items that cost cheaper when purchased in bulk. You will not be stuck with having to eat the same item for a long time.

3. Recycle where possible.

Prescribed texts may be expensive and may not be readily available in the library. You may be able to get older copies from graduating college mates. Alternatively, start a shared text co-operative. Chances are that you may not take the same module as your college mates at the same time. Make arrangements to exchange texts during the next semester. If you are fortunate, you may even find a shop that sells used texts.

4. Shop at local flea marts.

Secondhand goods may cost half the original price, but look as good if the owner had taken good care of them. You may be able to find all you need at local flea marts. Shop with friends and you may be able to strike a better bargain when you and your

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