Going to university can get really expensive, so here are some great tips on how to save money while in school:

1. Make a Budget

Making a budget is a great way to track your finances and to save money no matter your life stage. In university, making a budget is a great way to save money. Budgeting is essentially tracking all of your money: income, expenses, and savings. You’ll be able to track how much money you’re making, and what you’re spending it on. Budgeting is a great strategy for reducing impulse spending too---you’ll be less likely to spend money when you’re tracking where it’s going. Learn how to make a budget here. 

2. Save on Rent

In university, rent will probably be one of your biggest expenses. You could easily cut down this expense by finding a roommate, or even a few! Even if you prefer living alone, with like-minded roommates, you’ll be able to get along while saving a lot on rent. This might not be the most glamorous way to live, but a lot of student loans aren’t so glamorous either, what can I say?

3. Save on Groceries

After rent, food will most likely be your largest expense in university. Again, budgeting can really help you on this front, and so can making a food list and planning out your purchases. By staying organized, you’ll be less likely to buy something that you don’t need, or something impulsive. Meal planning is another great strategy to reduce your grocery bill. By learning how to cook, and doing some meal prep in advance, you’ll be able to save a lot of money, because you’ll have cooked food ready to go in your fridge.

4. Make Smart Choices

While you’re in university, it’ll be up to you to not make any fiscally irresponsible choices. You most likely don’t have money to live extravagantly, or to make any huge purchases. This means cutting down on impulse buying---you probably don’t need a Starbucks every single day, and you won’t need all those snacks if you’re being smart with your groceries. Be smart with your money---it might not come naturally, but with practice and mindfulness, you’ll get it down in no time. 

5. Student Discounts

As a student, you’ll have a bunch of things discounted to you, from phone plans, to technology, to food, to public transportation. The key is finding all of these discounts, and taking advantage of them. Do your research, and ask around the campus, and you’ll be sure to find out some great deals to save a little money.

6. Remember Your Goals

At the end of the day, your goals are to probably graduate university with as little student debt as possible, and to find a good, high-paying job. By following these tips and by staying motivated, you can literally do anything you set your mind to---including saving some money in university!

There you have it---my top 6 tips on saving money in university. Bottom line: be resourceful, and be smart with your money. Those two things alone will help you reach your goals. You can do this!