College can take a huge toll: physically, mentally and especially economically. Even if you have saved up tips and checks from a summer job, school expenses can still hurt your pocketbook. Taking advantage of a few different thrifty ideas can really make your summer savings last.
Food is a major expense for most college students. Here’s a tip: Don’t be a fast food junkie. Even though McDonald’s and Taco Bell are cheap, the dollars add up quickly and so do the pounds.
Ask mom or grandma for an easy recipe and cook it yourself. It’s healthier and you might have leftovers for the next couple days. And if you have a meal plan, use it. Don’t let your money disappear into OSU because you spent all your cash at Wal-Mart.
When you do go to Wal-Mart or Consumer’s Market, use coupons or buy off-brand food. It makes a pretty big difference when trying to save money.
If you’re looking to keep an even tighter grip on your wad of cash, some churches around Stillwater have free lunches for anyone that might be hungry and/or poor.
Another way to make your dollar and your food supply last is to take advantage of what OSU has to offer. When you get a craving for food, instead of snacking on chips and dip, get out of the house and do something.
The Colvin Center and the Student Union have free and cheap ways for students to stay in shape and have fun. If you want to get away from campus, Stillwater has many free activities too.
Get a couple friends together and go to the park. You can never be too old to play on the jungle gym.
Another place to go is the Stillwater Humane Society. It doesn’t even feel like volunteering when you get to play with the puppies and kitties.
Don’t want to go out? Stay in and have a movie night. Watch an old horror flick with your friends and laugh at the bad special effects.
There is also a solution for the women who want to get their nails done. Have a girls’ night and do each others’ nails. If you must go to a nail salon, look for student discounts or coupons.
Shopping can also be a problem for some girls. Try shopping at Ross or any of the thrift stores in Stillwater. Check out the consignment shops before spending a fortune. You might be surprised at what you can find.
For those of you who are 21 or older, alcohol can definitely put a dent in your money supply. Buying in bulk will almost always get you more for your money. You might look like an alcoholic at the store, but at least you will be saving money.
If looking like an alcoholic doesn’t appeal to you, then you could always brew your own beer or wine at home. That can be a fun project with your friends. Google will be more than happy to tell you how to do it.
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