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Saving Money on Shopping/Food

  • Drink fewer latte’s than your peers (Advisor, 2007; CollegeScholarships.org, 2008; Karimi, 2008). Buying a coffee maker (even a nice one) and an insulated mug is much cheaper than stopping by Starbucks every morning – less trendy, but cheaper (Peale, 2009).
  • If you have to drink bottled water, buy generic. Chances are both the generic and your expensive brand came out of the faucet anyway! You could always buy one case of the expensive stuff, and re-use the bottles. . . (kidding). Or you could buy yourself a water filter for your sink or a filtering pitcher, and filter your own water (CollegeTips.com, 2009). Of course, take it with you when you move. . .
  • For cheap food, campusgrotto.com recommends, among other things, Top Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and oatmeal or granola for breakfast (Campusgrotto.com, 2009b).
  • Coupons, coupons, coupons (CollegeScholarships.org, 2008; Sweeney, 2009). The back of the phone book is a great place to look, plus there are often coupon books given out at the beginning of the school year or semester by local merchants. Also check out the local Sunday newspaper and campus newspaper for coupons, and use them for products you purchase when you go shopping. If nothing else, cut out coupons for the places you already eat and order what you have a coupon for.
  • Take advantage of “free feeds” (Karimi, 2008). It may seem like I’m suggesting you become a mooch here, but one of the tried and true ways to get college students to attend anything is to provide food – usually pizza. So there should be plenty of free snacks and meals available, with few strings attached. Organizations looking for new members serve food, many events have a reception prior to their start, campus departments often host open houses and receptions to introduce new students or staff and food is often served, and during finals week there will often be free snacks or meals available. Churches may also have a free meal for all college students each week (Keith, 2009).
  • Shop at a consignment or vintage clothes store (Advisor, 2007). Shop for bargains – not everything they sell is economical.
  • Pick up all the free samples you can. College campuses are attractive places to test market, introduce and/or promote products aimed at people your age. Many of those products are food and drinks, and it won’t take long to figure out where the central location on your campus is. Anytime you see someone there with a table set up, cruise by to see what’s up. You may accidentally get registered to vote, or roped into hearing about some organization you’re not interested in, but you’ll also get some free drinks, food samples, and/or coupons. I still do this now – this past year, I got iced coffee, some new soft drink, and Red Bull for free!
  • When you cook, make more than you need for that meal and freeze the leftovers ((NEFE), 2009). Besides holding ice and popsicles, I don’t think most college students use their freezer at all.

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College Corner

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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