How To Succeed In College On A Budget?

Going to college at any stage in your life can be a scary prospect, but if you are also having to stick to a strict budget to get through each month, you might find the stress mounting up around how you will cope.

While students might be notorious for living on noodles, there are ways that you can succeed in college on a budget, while being able to confidently shop for your essentials, without sacrificing the college experience.

In this article, we’ll discuss some top tips for succeeding in college while watching your finances.  

Create a Monthly Budget Tracker

One of the first things to do to survive on a budget in college is to make sure you have a clear understanding of what your finances look like in order to keep on top of them, and the easiest way to do this is to keep a budget tracker that you can stick to.

To start, calculate your income and expenditure, and try to organise your expenses into different categories such as student loan repayments, food costs, and college supplies. This will help you to visualize where your money is going each month.

Then, you can use an online budget template like a spreadsheet, or create your own, to keep you accountable as you go through college.

Also Read: The Significance of Social Media for Student Communication During Quarantine

Invest In Equipment That Will Last 

Once you know where your money is going every month, the next thing to do is invest in equipment that will last not only the duration of your course, but also as you enter the working world in the future.

A reliable, high-performing laptop is crucial when it comes to college studies, especially if your budget doesn’t allow you to rebuy items if things go wrong.

Lenovo.com offer some fantastic examples of laptops for those on a budget that don’t compromise on performance, with top of the range processors and graphics cards allowing you to produce your best work without breaking the bank.

Lenovo also offers discount codes for new subscribers, so if you’re looking for a reliable laptop for college that will fit within a tight budget, it’s worth looking into these offers. 

For other equipment that you might need during college, it’s also better to look at options for investing in good quality kit earlier on, to save having to replace it in the future – there are plenty of options out there for backpacks and stationery that might be pricier in the short term, but you’ll be glad you have them later down the line. 

Use Student Discount Codes  

A great thing about being a college student is the huge range of discount codes that are available to you.

Whether you’re making a necessary purchase for course materials or supplies, upgrading your laptop or even just doing an online clothes shop, there will be a host of discount codes that are available to students.

Typically, gaining access to these simply involves verifying your student status through an app or website online with your student email address, so it’s a really straightforward process that can unlock a load of bargains!

It’s easy to do a quick search online for where to find student discounts, but you can also speak to representatives for your college who will be able to point you in the right direction. 

Also Read: What to Expect When Pursuing a Degree in Computer Science?

Take Part In Budget-Friendly Social Events

Even if you are on a tight budget for college, there’s no need to worry about missing out on a great social life, as there will be plenty of budget-friendly social events that you can take part in.

If you have any ideas yourself, there’s also bound to be others who would be interested too, so you could suggest some budget-friendly activities like a nature walk, pub quiz or trip to a local museum.

Studies have also shown that millennials and Gen Z like events surrounding political activism, so if there’s a cause that you are passionate about, why not start a society or club that focusses on bringing together ideas for raising awareness, like inviting a local government representative to join you in a discussion on campus.

Not only would this help you make a difference to the things you’re truly passionate about, but it could also provide a great networking opportunity to help launch your career. 

Ultimately, while college can be stressful enough on its own, without the added worry of budgeting concerns, succeeding in your studies while managing your finances is completely do-able, especially if you invest in the things that are important first, like a reliable laptop, and then make the most out of student discount codes and a budget tracker for accountability.

For a successful college experience that places your work and fun at the forefront, keeping on top of your budget can be a great step that will also establish good habits for the future after graduation day.