For students, it’s usually almost impossible just to have cash coming in and speding it on whatever you like. Nowadays, we need to economize.  We are finding it more difficult than ever to get part time or summer jobs to save that necessary cash. That along with the reduction of student aid and simultaneous increasing fees, we have to wonder if we’ll make it through the year without starving.

Here’s some tips to keep you going…

Pack a lunch:
Constantly eating out, even at the student center can leave you broke! Dinner is even more expensive. Treat yourself no more than a couple of times a week, otherwise stick to home made sandwiches. This option is also healthier!

Ride the bus/walk/carpool:
Driving to campus can really add up. There’s gas money, mileage on your car, and hefty parking fees. Check your school’s website for carpool programs and bus schedules. You can get many student discounts or free rides on local busses. If you live close to campus try walking, you get fit at the same time! 

Live at home or Share a room:

If you can’t live at home for whatever reason, remember that the more people who live in a place, the more you can divide the rent and utilities bill. Just make sure you stay within the legal limit of people for the size of where you live, and also note that having a lot of people in one place often leads to messes and little sleep.

Don’t use credit:

A credit card can be a necessary and valuable thing, and it is good to build a credit record while you are young. Do not go overboard, however, or else you will ruin your record. Use your card rarely, and always pay it off right away. Basically, don’t spend money you don’t have unless it’s an emergency. If you can’t pay off the entire bill, then at least make more than the minimum payment.

Check your account often:

With online banking, you don’t have to keep track of your balance on paper (although it’s also a good idea). Look at your online statement at least once a week to see that you have enough money for what you need. Also pay attention to what you’ve been spending money on so you can realize when you need to reign in your spending.

Get a Job:

This is very difficult right now, however, it is still possible. Check all of the campus departments, libraries, stores, etc first because those are great student jobs and they usually have one or two people graduating at the end of a school year.  Look online at all the usual search engines, but realize that many jobs are not listed right now because they are in such high demand. Tell all your friends you are looking for a job so they can keep an eye out for you. Call local stores and businesses often to see if they have any openings, you never know where you’ll find one!