13 University Students' Best Money-Saving Tips
The summer dragged by in slow motion. You wondered what happened to that fourth-year student you met during Freshers Week one year ago. He graduated in June 2021, English, and he seemed to have a knack for embellishing stories. For instance, he recounted how he lost his way in Disneyland and the excruciating four-hour wait before he was reunited with his family. His mother asked a personnel to help her looked for him, almost fainting when she found out that they weren't looking for a young boy. (Perhaps his mother didn't provide details of his distinctive features.) Another seemingly tall tale described his excursion into a one-street village not far from Stonehenge. You changed the topic of conversation (by asking him about what freshmen would expect during the fall semester), almost forgetting to name his best buy - and a money-saving tip.
Starting college was a time of firsts for first-year students: it was the first they lived away from their families, the first time they managed their finances, or both. The pandemic spared you from that trouble. With universities about to reopen, efforts to get more students vaccinated faced a significant barrier: their parents, even those who were themselves unvaccinated. (Your uncle was still concerned about long-term side effects, as well as how the vaccine was developed so quickly.) After Labor Day, you thought that universities would be back, shows would go on, commuters would fill the streets, and the bustle of city life would return at last. Or so you told yourself. Then came Delta, and those hopes were upended. You were hardly listening to your parents' conversation with your sister, who talked about your neighbor. (The vaccine war was getting personal, your neighbor said.) And then your old buddy texted you. He was McDonald's loyal customer, so he wanted to know why the fast-food chain's ice cream machine always seemed to be broken. You don't have a clue. (You were obsessed with Munchkin lately. He's a 4-year-old white call duck. He has a regular Dunkin' order: water in a plastic cup - extra ice. Videos of Munchkin lapping it up earned him millions of fans.) You recalled that fourth-year student once more; he reminded you of "The Magicians". (He was already plunging into Arabic and Aramaic and Old High Dutch and Old Church Slavonic while you were about to wallow into the shallows of Middle English.) You weren't surprised at some first-year students resenting him and your (second-year) coursemates ignoring him. You don't see you and him passing off as brothers. (It won't be the case with your roommate. Your double act was the hit of the semester, which he called the revenge of the nerds. You seemed to be uncomfortable with the phrase.) Reality bites.
The pandemic spared you from the agonizing dilemma of needing to buy some items that would improve your life while living with other students. You were told that your university would reopen this fall, making you wished that you have studied financial education during the summer. You could go to your university's Facebook page - and asked for some pieces of financial advice. And you tried to recall your first-year experience.
When Money - and Space - is Tight
Think about your priorities. There is so much to account for when starting universities, such as society membership and unexpected nights out, so you must think about your priorities. Budgeting is a pain, but it is necessary. You don't want to regret moments when you could wish that you spend smarter. Never underestimate the value of being organized.
Have a separate bank account. You just found out that your university town would be pretty cheap for a night out. It wouldn't be a university experience without it, but your parents have warned you about overindulgence. (And one older coursemate would speak from experience.) Try to be sensible and put aside a certain amount of money for each week (or month).
A half-decent frying pan will get you far. Cooking at home (or dorm) really saves you money, and you can cook most things on a frying pan. You would be contented with bacon and egg, but you can ask your mother to teach you to prepare other meals. You would thank her later.
My best investment would be board games. You could only watch TV for so many hours. (And there were days that Netflix and reality TV shows didn't appeal to you.) Once you reach your limit, a board game is a perfect solution. You can also make new friends (by inviting other students). Whether you're acquainted with them or not, ask them if it would be OK to keep a safe distance. (Better be safe than sorry.)
Put your room key inside a pocket (or attach it to a bracelet). You don't want to end up like that other (older) coursemate, who lost her room key on the second Freshers Night Out. You could imagine the embarrassment while walking to pick up the spare key, shoeless. The trouble might cost you.
Purchase a wireless headphone. Noisy dorm mates are unavoidable, so the wireless headphone should help you focus when studying (with good sound quality) or writing a paper.
Storage boxes are well worth the investment. If your room lacks space, storage boxes should keep your clothes and books in place. (All you have to do is pile them on top of each other.) Use them when they're needed.
Go for the snack drawer. It would be helpful when you're writing your assignment, a stress reliever whenever you have doubts about beating the deadline.
A laptop stand is a must. It should give you that crucial distinction between studying and rest time. Adding a detachable keyboard and mouse would be better, though.
Don't forget the umbrella. You can get caught in the rain during a long walk.
Never buy a book you can borrow from a library. Avoid expensive textbooks if possible.
You can't live without a home comfort. You can't live without a toy, but you're embarrassed to let other students find out. Don't be afraid. And don't be affected by the (seemingly) negative reactions. It's a "THEM" thing. If this wouldn't be enough...
Try to find people you click with. You need to make your room as homely as possible, as loneliness can lead you to go out (and splash on items that you won't like later). Friends are more important than anything that can be bought on Amazon, but it's the students who will drop by unannounced that will make your room feel like home. Be friendly. Look for common interests, if not keep an open mind (for new experience).
What Advice You Would Give to Your Former Fresher Self?
Your old buddy sent you an email, where you were at a loss for words. Interest in UFOs, flying saucers, and little green men had long been seen as the preserve only of the very strange until the Pentagon confirmed it. And they couldn't explain what they were. This science-fiction staple turned into a very real concern (or so your buddy thought). But you're thankful. This distraction will keep you inside your bubble. (And the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, or UAP, as the Pentagon would call it, shouldn't trigger anything that would prompt you to go out and splurge.)
You only go to the university once, so you don't want to miss out on anything, but spending too much can leave you scrambling for cash too quickly. Budgeting is a hard and completely new experience to most students, but learning it should help you after graduating from the university.
