College Frugality 101: The First Year

The first year of college is definitely a learning experience. New people, new classes, and new places to spend your hard earned cash. So, follow these tips to make those graduation checks and summer job earnings go a little farther.

Take it easy for the first two weeks

Skip the eating out, shopping and (for me) school supply purchases that are so tempting during those first several days of school. After that, you’ll be more equipped to say, “Do I really need this leopard print day planner and 24-pack of highlighters? Why yes, yes I do.”

Love your campus? Get a job there!

Most schools have convenient on-campus jobs available for students. Because they are run by the university, they’re willing to work around your class schedule, and some even accept applications year round. (Bonus: If you get a job in your major’s academic building, you’ll earn valuable face time with professors!)

Universities are great places for savings! (Cool part-time jobs and lots of free stuff!)

Utilize your meal plan (A.K.A. cool it  on the Taco Bell)

If you’ll be purchasing a meal plan this fall, make sure you use it to its full extent. At the end of my first semester in college, I still had 40 meals that I hadn’t used! Keep track of the number of meals you are allotted per week and try to use as many as possible. (Unless it’s cheesy squash bake day.. Then you’re definitely entitled to a Chipotle run). Also look into other ways to use your meal plan, such as take-away lunches.

Buying only the essentials will also keep your closet
from looking like Katherine Heigl's in 27 Dresses..

Avoid t-shirt overload (Your closet will thank you)

Ever find yourself throwing out that Forensics t-shirt that you never wore? Or the club sweatshirt that you just had to have? Being in a sorority, I have experienced this firsthand, and all that apparel (and the bills!) can begin to add up.

(Almost) everything is free!

Chances are that your university offers some sort of “Welcome Week” activity during the first few days of the school year. These events are usually chalk full of free giveaways, so stock up! Colleges also offer free movies, concerts, and other events throughout the year, so check your university’s website for tons of great activities.