Ways To Save Money In University

Hello and welcome to my blog! Whether you are entering college/university next month or returning for a new academic year, money will be something that can be tricky to handle. In my first year at TRU it was difficult to keep track of my expenses and distinguish between what I actually need and what I just want. Based on my experiences and what people I know have experienced, I have put together some tips for you on how to save money! I hope you take away valuable information and thanks for visiting my blog!

1. Bring your lunch to school

In my first semester of second year at university, I brought a packed lunch to school maybe twice a week. This led me to buy a wrap at Tim Hortons almost every day. At the time, I thought that it's only $5 for it, but with me buying one three times a week that was $15 out of my wallet and roughly 30 minutes wasted in the long line ups that Tim Hortons has! Every since I realized how much money I could have been saving if I brought food, I've been making my lunches the night before and packing them in my bag the next morning. It not only saves you time and money, but the odds of you eating healthier are higher as well.

2. Don't buy your textbooks before classes start

It's a well-known fact that textbooks are costly! I've purchased textbooks as much as around $200, but you know what's the worst outcome... buying a textbook that you don't need. In my last semester, I was in a class that had a required textbook. I didn't buy the textbook before the class, because I wanted to wait until the professor addressed to the class that it was necessary to get through the course. The professor told us that we didn't need it (optional)... so I didn't get it. That saved me just over a hundred bucks, which put a smile on my face! All in all, I would recommend waiting until the first day of each of your classes to see if your professor requires you to purchase a textbook.

3. Wake up early enough to eat breakfast

I've had a handful of 8:30am classes since staring university and I have been tempted lots of times to stop by a Tim Hortons or Starbucks right before for a snack or drink to get me going for the morning. Even just an extra 10 minutes in the morning can make a big difference, as it can allow you to make yourself toast, a smoothie, or cereal to give you energy for the next few hours. It not only is healthier for you, but saves you a couple dollars each day if you have a lot of early classes!

4. Strive to succeed in each of your classes

You may be wondering how #4 goes with saving money, and it's actually the most important thing I believe you should do to save money. The cost for a college/university course ranges depending on the type of university (private, public, ivy league) and the course itself, however for me it is around $500 for one. Imagine having $500 in your hand and throwing it in a garbage can... that is the same as failing a course. Classes are expensive and take up a lot of your time, so focusing and working hard in them will not only ensure that you gain closer to finishing your degree, but put the money you are investing into your education to good use.

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