Whether you’re about to be a freshman and you’re heading to campus for the very first time, or you’re going back to the place you’ve called your other home for a couple of years, it’s important to think about your finances as the new school year starts.
Take some time to think about your budget for the upcoming semester, along with ways you might be able to save (or make) some extra cash this year. Not sure where to start? We’re here to talk you through some of our best tips to save money on and off campus.
On-Campus Savings Tips
Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out with your college friends is fun, but after a few nights of takeout or seeing what options are nearby, the cost can quickly add up. Learning how to cook simple, nutritious meals at home is one of the best ways to save money.
Use your dorm kitchen or a shared kitchenette, roll up your sleeves, and learn how to prepare a new meal with your roommates and friends. Not only will cooking at home save you money, it’s also a great way to prepare you for life after college when you’re working and need to make food at home after. You can even impress your family when you go home for breaks with your new culinary skills!
Use Student Discounts
Wherever you shop, always ask if there’s a student discount available. You’ll likely have to show your student ID to confirm, so keep this in your wallet (which is good practice to do for getting into campus buildings). You can find student discounts in many places, from movie tickets to software subscriptions and even online retailers.
Buy Used Textbooks
Textbooks can be one of your biggest expenses when you’re in college, especially when you’re taking multiple classes each semester that each requires several books. Look for used options where you can and ask your professors if older editions of the course textbook are still fine to use—for some classes, the most recent version will be needed, so it can be harder to find cheaper, older copies.
You should also check to see if your campus bookstore has a rent-by-the-semester option or, if you do need to buy a new textbook, see if you can sell it back to the bookstore as a used book when you no longer need it. Check with your friends and coursemates, too, as they may have taken the same class previously and still have the textbook. Many textbooks are also available online, with digital versions sometimes being much cheaper than hardbacks. And don’t forget about your on-campus library too!
Off-Campus Savings Tips
Get a Part Time Job
If your schedule allows, consider getting a part-time job. This could be on or off campus and give you a few hours a week of earnings to add to your savings account or to spend on fun activities with your friends.
The campus library, a cafe in town, or even the bookstore are all great options for looking for a part-time job. Plus, with CSCU’s direct deposit feature, you’ll get your paycheck up to two days earlier.
Share Housing Costs
If you’re living off-campus this year, find a place to rent with a few friends to save on housing expenses. Sharing rent and utilities with two or three other people can make a great home more affordable.
Use Public Transport
Before leaving home, consider whether you need your car on campus. If you’re not traveling for an off-campus job or internship, you can likely leave your vehicle behind and use public transportation.
In many places, public transport is free or heavily discounted for local students. Not only will leaving your car at home save you on gas and parking money, but you also won’t have to think about its ongoing maintenance or use up miles unnecessarily, helping your car last longer.
Tips for Sam Houston State University Students
Use Campus Dining Plans
Maximize your meal plan at SHSU by eating at different spots around campus rather than eating out. Your meal plan will likely give you the best value for your eating habits and can be used on more than full meals—you can grab snacks and even your daily coffee from locations all over campus.
Take Advantage of Free Events
There are plenty of free events around campus for you to enjoy each week, from movies and concerts to guest lectures. This can be one of the best ways to stay entertained while saving money this school year.
Use SHSU’s Student Discounts
Businesses all around Huntsville offer student discounts to SHSU students. Just be sure to have your ID on you when you venture off campus and always ask about possible discounts in restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
Rent From the Bookstore
Take a look at the options at the SHSU bookstore for buying or renting used textbooks. You can also look at online marketplaces for alternative options.
Access Free Resources
The free resources at the Newton Gresham Library, computer labs, and fitness facilities around campus are excellent for helping you save money on study materials, printing costs, and gym memberships.
Use Public Transport
Take the Sam Shuttle when you need to get around campus and the local area! If you’re going further afield, see if you can carpool with some friends to save on gas and parking fees.
Find On-Campus Part Time Work
If you’re looking for a part time job, the SHSU Career Services office is a great place to start. They’ll help you find jobs that work around your schedule and provide extra income without any long commutes.
Smart Financial Tools From CSCU
Get a High Yield Savings Account
Open a high yield savings account and watch your money grow faster. This is a good place to keep your emergency fund or to save for bigger purchases so you can make the most of long-term interest growth.
Open a Credit Card with Rewards
Whether it’s your first or newest card, CSCU’s credit card offers you rewards on your regular expenses. Just be sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid any unwanted fees.
Use Overdraft Protection
Avoid overdraft fees by signing up for CSCU’s overdraft protection. It’s the ideal safeguard that ensures you won’t be hit with unexpected charges if your bank balance runs low.
Split Costs with Zelle
Easily split costs and get money back from friends or family when you use Zelle. Whether it’s rent, utilities, or a meal out, you can send and receive money quickly and hassle-free this school year.
Save Money This School Year With Community Service Credit Union
Keep your budget on track and watch your savings grow this school year with financial support and services from Community Service Credit Bank. We’re a local financial institution whose goal is to help our local community thrive when it comes to money management and saving. Contact us today or stop in at one of our branch locations.