A lot of it is aimed at freshmen in college who don’t know the first place to look to save money until it’s too late. Often it is quite easy to save money; you just have to know where to start. Lots of websites and articles cover this, but the articles are from people who don’t know what it’s like to live in college. Instead, I have a list for you that should help you save money and will be extremely helpful. Below are my 20 easiest (and best) ways to save money in college. Ready?

* Rent a room off campus-

Although rent is extremely expensive (even in big cities), it is almost always cheaper than living on campus. It’s astronomical what you pay for room and board at the university; but sometimes it makes things a little easier when you’re not used to living at home. And even though you feel like you don’t know anyone and need to live on campus your freshman year, you pay a lot more than renting an apartment. Trust me, you will meet a lot of people; this is an easy way to save at least $600 a year.

* Don’t get a meal plan, buy your own groceries-

Again, an easy way to save money. Or better yet, grow your own food, which is a pretty simple process! If you shop in bulk at places like Costco, Walmart, and Price Rite, you’ll find you’re spending maybe $40 a week instead of $100 or more through the school. Now why wouldn’t you want to go for this?

* Buy your drink wholesale-

Buying small amounts of alcohol in college is convenient, but it can become an expensive habit. Drinking in general is an unnecessary expense and even though it comes to college, there needs to be some moderation. If you’re going to drink, buy 30 racks of all their beer and copious amounts of their hard liquor. I know sometimes you only have 5-10 bucks, but try to do this. I also know it’s a bit of a pain to carry around, but you spend a lot more if you only buy 6 packs and bottles of hard liquor.

* Drink only on weekends-

Another way to reduce your spending dollars is to reduce drinking times. The best way to save your drinking funds is to try to eliminate thirsty Thursdays. I know, I know, it’s what gets you through the week. This alone can save you about $10 a week, $40 a month. It’s just one night, and your Friday graveside class will improve dramatically, which is extremely important if you have scholarship money. If this is too much to bear, try doing it every other weekend; saving $20 a week is better than nothing.

* cheap drink-

Sorry I know, looks like I’m messing with the drink. But as I said before, drinking is a huge unnecessary expense. The cheaper you can do it, the more money you’ll save for the things you really need. Buy the cheap stuff. Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Milwaukee, Busch, Old English; There are tons out there, I’m not going to name them all. Or, of course, you can prepare your own. If you’re interested in making your own, I have a few articles that address this topic for you to enjoy reading.

* Get a monthly bus pass-

This will only save you money if you switch to class five days a week. Many students get a bus/T spend their first semester in school and realize they only used it 20 times. If it’s just to go see your friends every weekend, chances are you’re not saving any money. Many times it seems that you will use it much more than you do, but it is not so. Keep track of how many times you get on the bus in the first month; most likely, after the words, you will ride it about halfway. If that still validates the bus pass, do it; if not, save your money.

* Get a free checking + savings account (or MoneyMarket as described in the link above)-

A free checking or savings/MoneyMarket account is a great way to avoid being charged fees. Many banks charge you fees for using other companies’ ATMs, having too low a balance, having too many withdrawals in a month, among all kinds of ridiculous fees. Most kids’ bank accounts that are about to be emptied can afford to lose money unnecessarily, and a $5-25 fee won’t help. Most banks give college students accounts with no minimum, which is great when your bank account is hovering around $7.35 like mine is often. If you can, shop around in August and all the college student deals will be on fliers everywhere.

* Don’t get a credit card-

Many people I know have credit cards for emergencies; the only emergencies i saw them use it on was for a new skirt they “needed” for work that was 50% off. The other emergency is pizza at 3 am when no one has money, but you have your credit card and can pay the bill. This is just money waiting to be wasted. Don’t bother with that.

* Compare book prices-

Don’t just buy your books at school, there are many places to check out books. Abebooks.com, half.com, amazon.com… I usually end up buying books from all of these places, not just one. Compare the price of each book to each website, I often saved about $100 per semester this way. I often write the price of the book on each website and buy wherever each book is cheapest. Don’t forget to add shipping costs, because certain places charge more than others.

* ramen noodles –

Ramen noodles are a godsend. At $.12 a pack, how can you beat them? Of course, they’re not really good for you per say, but they do fill you up when money is tight. They are also extremely easy to make. In fact, sometimes you don’t even want to make them and you don’t have to, you can eat them raw (and they’re not that bad). Always carry a pack or two with you; these are great for late night binges, especially at parties when people want to order food. The funny thing is that you might be jealous of the great pizza they order, but they will beg you for the Ramen.

* Becoming a vegetarian-

This one is the hardest for most people, and something only for money-savers (or animals, I guess). Meat is one of the most expensive things people buy; especially when barbecue season rolls around. Veggie burgers are usually cheaper than meat burgers and healthier. Eliminating meat altogether can put money back in your pocket, and it can also help you lose a few pounds if you’re a little overweight.

* Stay away from expensive electronics-

Say it with me, “Unless my major is in tech, I don’t need a Macbook Pro.” Everyone and their mom have a MacBook, and all they do is go on Facebook and Myspace. Some kids might go crazy and try Photoshop for a week. $500 laptops are good enough for me, so they’re good enough for you (and I do webzine design for a literary magazine, as well as several other small projects). Save yourself $1500 buying a cheap laptop. Also, stay away from new Ipods, they will break. Carry on with your old iPod. Same for Iphones or any other expensive new phone. The free ones always last forever, and when someone spills beer on them, so what? If you want to save money, you need to put your brain in the mindset of someone who has no money.

* Stay away from monthly/seasonal payments-
Get rid of your cable subscription, Netflix, home phone, Sports Illustrated, porn subscriptions, etc. These are not necessary. Get the cheapest cell phone and internet plan (if you need it like I do); these will suffice. After the first month or two, you will often forget to watch the movies you ordered.

* You don’t need new clothes-

Every month the girls need new clothes. Although their wardrobe is overflowing from their closet, they have nothing to wear. However, once you get to college, guys are no different. You don’t need new clothes, you need an iron and ironing board. And if you need clothes, go to the thrift store. This cuts your costs in half at least, and you’ll find some unique garments.

* Meet Skype-

Want to cut expensive cell phone costs for your parents or significant other? Departure by Skype; It’s free, you can have video chats with people, and you can talk like you’re on the phone. Most newer computers have a built-in microphone (and many have cameras as well), making it completely free to keep in touch with everyone if college is far away.

* Find alternatives to the gym-

Sell ​​yourself as a dog walker if you need to exercise. Riding a bike to class. Go for a run. Use the school gym. DO NOT get a membership, it’s a waste of $40 per month. I’ve heard so many excuses for why people need a personal gym membership that it’s disgusting. If the basketball team can use your school gym, so can you.

* Apply for jobs in one go and online-
Sell ​​your body to medicine for a day; write product reviews online; There are many ways to make money online. I haven’t figured it out yet, but from what I hear…

* Take community college classes for your gen-eds-

I know, you think of your school because it is the best in your field. Well, during the summer, take some community college courses. They usually cost about a couple hundred dollars per course (which is over $2000 per course at private colleges) and can cut a semester (or in my case, it was a year – yes, $30,000 saved by spending $2,000 over two summers) ) of your college tuition.

* Go to state school
I didn’t, but I wish I had. Save lots of money by going to public school. Save your money for Graduate.

* Keep track of your expenses-
Last, but DEFINITELY not least, save your receipts. Calculate your monthly expenses. Which of those don’t you need? Cut them for the next month. Do this every month to keep track of where your money is going.

This is a clear list that provides ways to reduce your loans and save money overall through simple research and insight. These 20 ways should help you save money this coming school year. There are plenty of ways to make college work without getting out of $100,000+ in debt like many people I know did, so start being smart with your money and you’ll save more than you bargained for.