College is one of the most exciting (and expensive) times in life. Between tuition, books, food, and social events, it’s easy to blow through your budget without even realizing it. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be broke in college.
With the right strategies, you can save money, avoid financial traps, and still have a great time. This guide will walk you through practical ways to cut costs while making the most of your college experience.
1. The Campus Bookstore Trap: Avoid Paying More Than You Should
One of the biggest money drains in college is buying textbooks at full price. The bookstore might be convenient, but you’ll overpay by hundreds of dollars per semester.
How to Save on Textbooks:
✔ Rent instead of buying (Amazon, Chegg, or campus library)
✔ Buy used books from older students or sites like AbeBooks
✔ Check online for free PDF versions (Google Scholar, OpenStax)
✔ Sell your books at the end of the semester to recover costs
📌 Pro Tip: Some professors allow older editions, which are MUCH cheaper than new ones!
2. School Merchandise & Clothing: Avoid Overpriced Swag
It’s tempting to grab a hoodie, a mug, and a bumper sticker from the campus store. But before you know it, you’ve spent $100+ on school gear.
How to Show School Spirit on a Budget:
✔ Buy secondhand (graduating students sell their old gear)
✔ Wait for clearance sales at the campus store
✔ Limit yourself to one or two key items instead of impulse buying everything
📌 Pro Tip: Join student organizations, many give out free shirts!
3. The Fast Food & Restaurant Trap: How to Eat Smart
College students spend hundreds per month on fast food and restaurants because it’s quick and easy. While it’s okay to treat yourself sometimes, daily takeout will wreck your budget.
How to Save on Food:
✔ Take advantage of meal plans (you already paid for it!)
✔ Buy groceries & meal prep (even simple meals save big)
✔ Find local student discounts & happy hours for cheap eats
✔ Use apps like Too Good to Go or Flashfood for discounted meals
📌 Pro Tip: Some colleges have food banks for students, don’t be afraid to use them!
4. Social Spending: How to Have Fun Without Going Broke
Weekend movies, concerts, and outings add up fast. If you say “yes” to every event, your wallet will feel it.
How to Have Fun Without Overspending:
✔ Be selective about events, only go to what truly excites you
✔ Host game nights, movie nights, or potlucks with friends
✔ Use student discounts for entertainment (Spotify, Hulu, museums, etc.)
✔ Look for free campus events, many colleges have concerts, comedy shows, and festivals
📌 Pro Tip: “Real friends” won’t pressure you to spend money you don’t have!
5. The Party & Drinking Money Pit
Drinks, cover charges, and Ubers add up fast. If you go out every weekend, you’ll easily spend $50-$100 per night.
How to Save Money While Socializing:
✔ Set a budget for nights out (bring cash, leave your card at home)
✔ Pre-game at home to avoid overpriced bar drinks
✔ Skip rounds, buy your own drinks instead of covering everyone else’s
✔ Take advantage of drink specials & happy hours
📌 Pro Tip: Going out less often makes it feel more special, and saves money!
6. College Housing & Living Expenses: Where to Cut Costs
Dorms and off-campus apartments come with hidden costs, furniture, utilities, and more.
How to Save on Housing:
✔ Split costs with roommates (groceries, streaming services, furniture)
✔ Find free/cheap furniture (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, dorm move-out sales)
✔ Use energy-efficient habits to lower utility bills (turn off lights, unplug devices)
📌 Pro Tip: If you live off-campus, meal prep instead of relying on takeout!
7. Build a Money-Smart Community: Find Like-Minded Friends
Surrounding yourself with other budget-conscious students makes saving money easier.
How to Find a Financially-Smart Friend Group:
✔ Join personal finance or investing clubs on campus
✔ Start a saving challenge with friends (who can spend the least?)
✔ Follow finance blogs and podcasts to stay motivated
📌 Pro Tip: If your friends pressure you to spend, it may be time to rethink your circle.
8. Take Advantage of Student Discounts & Free Resources
Many places offer student discounts, you just have to ask!
Where to Find Discounts:
✔ Tech: Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Best Buy
✔ Streaming: Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Prime Student
✔ Clothing: ASOS, Nike, Adidas, J.Crew
✔ Transportation: Amtrak, Greyhound, public transit passes
📌 Pro Tip: Always carry your student ID, tons of places offer discounts!
9. Avoid Debt: Smart Budgeting & Credit Card Tips
Debt is a silent money killer. Many students get sucked into credit card debt or unnecessary loans.
How to Avoid Debt:
✔ Use a budgeting app (Mint, YNAB, or your bank’s app)
✔ Stick to cash or debit, only use credit if you can pay it off monthly
✔ Apply for scholarships, there’s free money out there!
📌 Pro Tip: The less debt you graduate with, the more financial freedom you’ll have!
Final Thoughts: Master Your Money in College
Saving money in college doesn’t mean missing out, it means making smart choices. By avoiding these financial traps, cutting unnecessary spending, and building good money habits, you’ll graduate with less debt and more financial security.
What are your best college money-saving tips? Drop them in the comments below! Also if you’re interested in saving money on food or possible help with food insecurity, check out our article on student eligibility for food stamps.
The Broke College Student 
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