{"id":16552,"date":"2026-01-23T04:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T10:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=16552"},"modified":"2026-02-06T17:33:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T23:33:05","slug":"how-to-save-money-college-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/how-to-save-money-college-student\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ideas to save money as a college student"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many people, college is the first time they\u2019re truly in charge of their own finances. While it\u2019s often a challenge, creating and maintaining a savings account for students is a foundational lesson for building healthy financial habits that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And saving money as a student has its short-term, practical benefits, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLife throws a lot of expenses our way that are hard to plan for\u2014like when your car suddenly refuses to start when you\u2019re running late for class,\u201d says Jacqueline DeMarco, a freelance writer specializing in personal finance content. \u201cThat\u2019s why building out a solid emergency fund<\/a> is something that every college student should prioritize.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how can you save money as a student in college? These savings tips can help give you some monetary breathing room and a financially secure start in adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you make your bank accounts work for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first: Make sure you have a good place to keep your savings. That means finding a bank<\/a> that\u2019s convenient and offers the features and benefits that work best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DeMarco notes that students may feel limited to banks available on or near campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf they aren’t happy with their on-campus bank options, college students may find that an online bank is a better fit for them,\u201d DeMarco says. \u201cNot only do online-only banks offer all of their services digitally, they also tend to have lower fees and offer higher interest rates than banks with expensive brick-and-mortar locations to pay for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever bank you choose, DeMarco says there are two accounts every new student should strongly consider opening: a checking account and a savings account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting up both a savings account and a checking account can be done online within a few hours at the bank of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can students save money?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve set up your checking and saving accounts, it\u2019s time to take the next step toward financial responsibility. One of the best ways to save money<\/a> for students is by setting up a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much should a college student spend per month? To determine that, DeMarco recommends subtracting your monthly expenses (essentials like food, utility bills, etc.) from your monthly income (whether it\u2019s from a part-time job, student loans, or money from a parent). Doing this simple math will help reveal how much you can safely spend each month on fun stuff like new clothes or going to the movies\u2014after you\u2019ve put aside a portion for your savings, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to add more wiggle room to your budget? Try these money-saving tips for students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop at consignment and thrift stores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consignment and thrift stores offer previously owned clothes and other items at a discount. The primary differences are that thrift stores tend to be nonprofit organizations, accept more donations, and are generally less selective in what they choose to sell. Consignment stores are often more selective about the donations they accept, and they pass a portion of the sale to the person who donated\u2014or consigned\u2014the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DeMarco notes that consignment stores are not only a smart option for saving money\u2014they\u2019re also a way for students to make extra money by selling unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy used textbooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Textbooks can cost students hundreds of dollars if they\u2019re new. Instead of paying full price, consider buying or renting used textbooks. \u201cMany college bookstores offer used options, and online platforms often provide affordable alternatives,\u201d DeMarco says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also be able to recoup some of the money you spent once you\u2019ve finished a class by reselling your textbooks to a used bookstore or an online vendor. \u201cSometimes I could even sell a book for more than I bought it,\u201d DeMarco says, referencing her time as a student. Cha-ching!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about meal planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So busy with classes and assignments that you find spending money at vending machines for on-the-go snacks easier than planning ahead? Stop, shop, and save. Set aside a few hours each weekend to prepare all of your meals for the week to come. Or, if you live in a dorm, hoard some extra items from the dining hall so you\u2019re ready when those late-night study session cravings inevitably strike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlanning meals in advance gives students the chance to make a shopping list and stick to it,\u201d DeMarco says. \u201cAs a bonus, having their meals planned will make it easier to avoid the temptation to dine out after a long day of classes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore free activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Who says you need to splurge to have a good time? There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending money<\/a>. Chances are, multiple free activities are happening on and around your campus on any given night. You can look up event calendars online or keep an eye out for announcements. Groups and clubs are always looking for participants and potential new members, so you can bet they\u2019ll be happy to have you. (Plus, a lot of these events have free food.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask for student discounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common for stores on and off campus to offer student discounts. To reap the benefits, always keep your student ID in your wallet, purse, or cellphone case so you can flash it and save some money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised how many retailers, restaurants, theaters, and entertainment venues offer discounts specifically for students,\u201d says DeMarco, who relied on student discounts to help build her professional wardrobe as she neared graduation. \u201cPlenty of major mall brands offer these discounts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a cheap coffee maker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Relying on caffeine to get through those late-night study sessions\u2014or just to get moving each morning? Save money on java by buying a coffee maker and becoming your own barista. DeMarco says that a cheap or used French press is easy to use and could save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rethink the car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be tempting to bring a car to college\u2014whether for grocery runs or the occasional road trip. But the costs of gas, maintenance, and parking can add up quickly, DeMarco says. So leaving that set of wheels at home is another way for students to save money. Most college campuses are great for biking and walking. And many also provide shuttle buses and rides to essential off-campus places like grocery stores\u2014as well as safe rides at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Track your savings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you put these ways for students to save money into practice, DeMarco suggests tracking their positive impact on your budget. That way, you can see how your small saving techniques can add up over time. There are even money-saving apps for students you can download to measure your progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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“You\u2019d be surprised how many retailers, restaurants, theaters, and entertainment venues offer discounts specifically for students.”<\/p>\n