Be a Frugal College Student

I’ve been in college for awhile. Just ask my parents. Along the way I’ve learned how to pinch and save so I have enough to live how I want – with what I’ve got. Here are a few of those tips.

1. Save what you can. Whether it’s in a checking account or savings, make sure to have money set aside in case of an emergency. It can be hard to do, but it’ll save your ass later.
2. Learn how to cook and limit your social expenditures to what you can afford – or less. I buy in bulk when possible and for things that can be stored safely for long periods of time. If you need some ideas, check out my post: The Well-Stocked Pantry. If you can, grow as much of your own food as possible, or at least herbs/spices. It’ll save you a bunch in the long run, and will make your food tastier and healthier. Perusing the grocery store regularly keeps you on top of pricing trends – but also shop at farmers markets. You can usually get a really good deal, and you’ll meet some splendid people. You can’t ask a box of cereal whether its wheat was chemically treated. Learn a little about what you’re putting into your body – you deserve it.
3. Ride a bike, walk, or take public transit. If you own a car and it’s feasible to live without it, sell it. In a large city, bikes are the way to go. They are small, easy to store (buy a decent u-lock), inexpensive to maintain, and cheap to fuel – just eat a bit more if you plan on a significant ride! In some cities you can even load your bike on to the front of a bus for a longer journey. The clincher is that on busy city streets, bikes can be faster than cars – just stay safe. If you’re scared to ride on the road, get a bus pass. Most universities offer them for free, or a reduced student cost. If you have a full/semi-full-time job, ask about employer transit passes. You can get some studying done during your bus/train ride, or meet a new friend.
4. Don’t waste time. Be as productive as you can – while making sure to not burn out. You could turn your spare time into spare cash. Why sit around watching reruns of your favorite show when you could be sitting around watching your favorite show … and knitting a scarf that you make some spending money on? Don’t have any sweet skills that could translate into treasure? Look for odd jobs on craigslist, or talk to friends/family/neighbors. People always need help – and who knows, it could turn into a semi-regular thing. You might even make a new friend!
5. Shop at resale stores, or try a free-cycling event. I help run an event here in Milwaukee called the Free Market. We take donations, organize them, and offer them back to the public for free. It’s like a big, free flea market.
6. Fix things that are broken or in disrepair. Get a sewing machine and learn how to sew and mend clothes. Why buy curtains if you can make them? Need a dress, or maybe a pair of mittens/handwarmers? They’re a breeze to make with even the simplest of sewing machines. Did you see an awesome table at the Free Market – only to find it had a broken leg? Maybe a drill, some screws, and some initiative could turn it into an amazing bohemian eating surface, or perhaps a more modern aesthetic suits your style. The choice is yours.
7. Use the internet. Need to learn a new skill? Search on your favorite engines till you find something you like. I usually use google and youtube to find tutorials on everything from sewing to playing guitar to programming a website. Direct contact with friends is ideal, but sometimes impractical. I use facebook, myspace, twitter, and this blog to stay in touch with friends, let people know what’s going on in my life, and facilitate meetings with people that are important to me.
8. Hand-wash clothing from time to time. It’ll extend the life of your clothes and you’ll need less soap and water. Plus, your clothes will probably get a better cleaning than a machine could ever do. Don’t know how to wash by hand? See #7!

That’s all for now. I’m sure there are things I’ve forgotten – so I foresee a “part 2” to this post. If you have any suggestions, please post in the comments! Thanks!