College students can save money beyond tuition by managing everyday costs like housing, meals, transportation and phone plans. Sharing expenses, using campus resources and taking advantage of student discounts can help reduce overall college spending.
Learning Center / Student & Careers / How to Save Money on College Expenses Beyond Tuition
How Can You Save Money on College Expenses Beyond Tuition?
Key takeaways
- Housing, meals and transportation are major college expenses beyond tuition.
- Living with roommates can reduce rent, utilities, internet and grocery costs.
- Resident advisor roles may offer free or reduced on-campus housing at some schools.
- Campus transit, public transportation and lower-cost phone plans can reduce monthly expenses.
- Meal plans and student discounts can help lower everyday spending throughout the semester.
As the cost of college continues to rise, many parents are rightfully concerned about how to pay for it. Tuition is just one of several expenses students face. Housing, transportation, meals and other everyday costs can also add up quickly.
The good news is that there are several practical ways students and families can look for savings. A few small changes can lead to meaningful savings over the course of a semester or school year.
How can college students save on off-campus housing?
Students who want to live off campus can save money on housing by sharing an apartment or house with roommates. The more costs students can share, the lower their individual housing expenses may be. In addition to splitting monthly rent, students can also divide the cost of utilities, internet, groceries and other shared expenses.
Another benefit of living off campus with roommates is that a home may be more spacious than a dorm room, giving students more privacy to study and relax.
How can students save money on on-campus housing?
Aside from tuition, housing is one of the largest expenses that college students face. There is a way, however, to eliminate this expense at many schools. Students who know they will be living on campus may qualify for free housing by working as resident advisors. Some schools also pay a modest stipend for the position, which can be helpful with other expenses.
Resident advisors are generally responsible for helping support a safe and welcoming residence hall environment. They may inspect rooms, assist students with questions and concerns and help with other responsibilities. Some schools may also require basic first aid or CPR training.
Students have to apply to become resident advisors. It’s important to inquire about the position and the school’s requirements as soon as possible before the new school year begins.
What everyday expenses can college students reduce?
Cable TV can be an expensive monthly bill. Students may be able to reduce or eliminate this cost by using free or lower-cost streaming options instead. Many students also may not have much time to watch TV with classes, studying, friends and campus activities.
A streaming device can be a relatively inexpensive one-time purchase. As long as students have a reliable internet connection, which they will likely need for schoolwork, they can look for free or lower-cost movies, TV shows, documentaries and other content.
How can college students save money on transportation?
Many large universities offer free or low-cost transportation options for students. Campus buses, shuttles or transit programs may help students get to class and around the community. A student ID or transit pass is often all that is required to use the service.
For students who live close to school, public transportation can be much more affordable than using a personal vehicle. This saves money on fuel, insurance, maintenance, and other vehicle expenses.
How can college students lower their cellphone bill?
Competition among cellphone service providers is fierce. To attract new customers, companies often come out with new plans that offer more features for less money. If a student has had a cell phone plan for a while, shopping for a new plan may be worth the time.
Students should also consider discount providers. Many of these companies offer competitive service at lower monthly prices, depending on the student’s needs and location.
How can student discounts help college students save money?
Many retail stores, restaurants, museums, and other places offer discounts to college students to attract business. Students may be able to lower their bills just by showing their student IDs.
Not all places that offer student discounts advertise them. Because of this, students shouldn’t be afraid to ask. If a student shops or eats at certain places regularly, even small discounts can add up over time.
How can college students save money on meals?
College meal plans typically include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unfortunately, many students skip meals or eat at restaurants. Eating out is expensive, and students can save big by taking full advantage of the meal plans they purchased.
In addition to offering nutritious meals, many meal plans also offer snacks. Students can pick up a banana, apple, or something else and eat it later when they are hungry or for extra energy before an important exam.
FAQs
Some of the best ways to save money in college include sharing housing costs, using meal plans, comparing transportation options, reviewing cellphone plans and asking for student discounts. Starting with the biggest recurring expenses can help students identify meaningful savings.
Students can save money on housing by living with roommates off campus and sharing rent, utilities, internet and groceries. Students who live on campus can also ask whether resident advisor positions offer free or reduced housing.
Yes. Student discounts at stores, restaurants, museums, software companies and other businesses can help reduce everyday spending. Because not every discount is advertised, it is worth asking and keeping a student ID handy.
Related articles
Budgeting may involve tracking your income and expenses, planning for essentials and savings, and reviewing your plan regularly to help build consistent financial habits over time.
Managing student loan debt may involve understanding your repayment options, staying on track with payments, and exploring available programs that could help reduce financial strain over time.
A student bank account may change after graduation, often transitioning to a standard account with different features or fees, so it may help to review your options and choose what fits your needs going forward.
Open an Account Today