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Saving Money on Personal Items and Activities

Here’s my philosophy on non-essential purchases: Before you buy anything, see if there’s a way to get it for free (like by registering for giveaways, using someone else’s ticket to the game, etc.) or if you can get somebody else to pay for it for you (like getting your folks to pay for things like gas or your cell phone bill for you). Then see about a way to get it really cheap (wait until a friend upgrades, pick it up at a garage sale or on eBay, etc.), then see if it will be on sale any time soon (ask the clerk at the store if a sale is coming up), and if all that fails, buy it for regular price. But always try to wait at least a little while before buying, especially on more expensive items. This will help you be less susceptible to buying on impulse, and give you an opportunity to decide if you really want it, or you could catch a sale.
  • If you think you need to have a pet while you’re still in college – think again (Advisor, 2007). They can be very expensive, and at the very least, they add to your list of responsibilities. Even something as simple as a fish can be a big hassle – feeding, cleaning the tank, etc. Wait until you’re out of college.
  • Use campus computer labs instead of buying your own computer. Wait until you graduate from college to purchase your own computer. Campuses usually have tons of computer labs, many of which are open 24/7. Also, more and more campuses are making laptops available for checkout.
  • Buy and ride a bike – you’ll get exercise, get to sleep a few extra minutes in the mornings, save the frustration of hunting for a decent parking spot and save money on a parking permit and gas. It’s greener too!
  • Buy and use a good bike lock so you don’t have to buy another bike when yours gets stolen.
  • Consider Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or the Police surplus auction as a place to get a good deal on a used bike.
  • When you buy clothes at a store, ask the clerk to give you the hangers. It will give you something to drip dry your clothes on later (instead of your metal hangers), not to mention saving you buying the plastic ones at the discount store.
  • Host a party where all of your friends get together and bring their clothes and accessories they no longer wear. Then everyone “shops” through everyone else’s cast offs and trades for a few new pieces (Galvin, 2009).
  • Do your own laundry, and shop around for the best price. The popular and/or nicest places are probably not the cheapest. Whether you live there or not, try the laundry facilities on campus – they’re probably among the cheapest (make sure it’s okay for you to use those facilities if you don’t live there). Paying a laundry service or dry cleaner to wash your stuff is convenient but expensive! Doing your own laundry is cheap and gives you a big chunk of quality study time – there won’t be anything else to do. . .
  • Buy an ironing board, an iron and some starch. It’s probably cheaper than one trip to the dry cleaners.
  • Wear your clothes a little bit longer than you would have otherwise, before replacing them. Determine whether you really need more clothes, or just want them. Only buy when you need them.
  • Rotate through your entire closet. Don’t wear the same clothes, over and over again. By cycling through all of your clothes, you will put less wear and tear on any one item, thus making everything last longer.
  • Wear your shoes a little bit longer than you would have otherwise. Handle it just like your clothes, above.
  • Rotate through all of your shoes. Handle it just like your clothes, above.
  • Know where your parking permit allows you to park, and park there – NOT where it’s convenient (Peale, 2009). Especially don’t park in handicapped parking or in loading zones. Some students rack up literally thousands of dollars in parking fines. Oh, and rain or cold weather are NOT good enough reasons to drive to class or park in the wrong place.
  • College spirit wear can be a big problem for some of us. Purchase these sparingly and only when you really need them, not as a habit.
  • Kick any expensive habits you have. Smoking, daily latte’s, partying, even shopping can be very expensive, and cutting back can give you a lot more green in your pockets ((NEFE), 2009).
  • If you have something you want to sell, consider trading it for something you do want. Post a flyer on campus listing what you have available AND a list of things you’d consider trading for it.

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Although it isn't inexpensive, a study abroad experience can be something that sets one student apart from others in the job search process.  Read this article about how students should go about selecting accommodations in London, England for college or study abroad experiences.

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