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Between your classes and late-night library study sessions, it can be exhausting to have tolimit your spending.
Categorize your spending (food, entertainment, textbooks, etcetera) and set limits for each.
Review your budget regularly and adjust as needed.
Learning where your money goes is half the battle.
Maximize Your Meal Plan
If you have a meal plan, use it to its fullest.
Those swipes and dining dollars are already paid for, so dont let them go to waste.
Pro tip: Stock up on non-perishable snacks for those late-night study sessions.
Wear something with pockets.
Check out whats included in your plan and opt for these services instead of paying for off-campus alternatives.
Many colleges also offer free software, cloud storage and entertainment subscriptions or discounts.
Check your student portal for hidden gems.
Find Affordable Off-Campus Housing
If youre looking to move off-campus, start your search early.
Team up with one or a few friends to rent a larger place and split costs.
Dont forget to consider utility, internet and transportation costs when comparing your options.
And always read the lease carefully before signing.
Become a Commuter
If youre commuting, look into student discounts on public transportation.
For drivers, try carpooling with classmates to split gas and parking costs.
Start a Side Hustle
Consider turning your hobbies into cash.
For me, its jewelry making.
Find your niche whether its tutoring, graphic design or dog walking and monetize your skills.
Thrift and Swap for Textbooks and Supplies
Textbooks can be a major expense.
Rent when possible, buy used, or look for digital versions.
And maybe make some friends in your major in the process.
Build Credit Wisely
Consider getting astudent credit cardwith no annual fee to start building your credit history.
But be careful not to overspend.
Take advantage of free workshops on your campus oraffordable online coursesto learn marketable skills.
Joining a specialized club or tutoring group could be helpful as well.
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