How to Survive on a College Budget

Being a student can be tough. Especially if you don’t plan and budget correctly. Make student living a breeze by doing these things.

Being a student can be tough. Especially if you don’t plan and budget correctly. By doing these things, you can make student living much easier. Here are tips on how to survive on a college budget.

6 Tips on how to Survive on a College Budget 

Life is already stressful enough with assignments constantly looming and bills that need to be paid, why not make it easier for yourself? By just doing something as little as buying food at a discount, you could be doing something very beneficial for yourself! 

Start Saving Early 

It may be tempting to spend your money ,but you should remember to save. Not only is it essential, but it also puts you at ease. Having  money saved  assures you that you won’t be broke at the end of the month 

Planning is Your Best Bet 

It’s crucial to have a weekly or monthly budget plan. It will be nearly impossible to manage your finances if you don’t know what state they are in. It’s important to be disciplined, because you may have to answer why your budget isn’t up to scratch when you become impulsive. 

Keep Travelling to a Minimum 

If you’re studying at a campus, try living as close to it as possible, so you won’t have to worry  about travelling costs. If this is not possible, you might want to consider sharing a car with another student. Another option is to choose a distance learning college.

Ask for Help 

As a student, someone will always be nearby and ready to give advice. Nearly every college or university has a student advisor who can guide you through your options. 

Review Your Expenses 

One of the best things you can do as a student is to review your expenses at the end of every month. This will help you make sure that you’re sticking to the boundaries you’ve set for yourself. It will also help you notice if you should tweak those boundaries. 

Accommodation

Your biggest monthly expenses will be your living arrangements as a student. Studying at home allows you to save on accommodation costs. 

How can I Stretch my Money? 

There are multiple ways to save your money and keep it throughout the month for emergencies. Below are ways listed to keep more money in your pocket for when you need it. 

Consider Getting a Roommate 

It might not be for everyone. But bringing in a roommate will  bring in extra money! Most informal accommodations are fine with bringing in a roommate. 

Eat at Home 

By staying at home and making your own food, you save more money. Buying the cheapest restaurant food! And more often than not ends up tasting better as well.

Take Distance Learning Courses 

By choosing to study with a distance learning college, you’re already saving on transport costs. On top of that, distance learning is generally cheaper than taking a course that requires you to go to a class! 

What we Offer 

We offer affordable distance learning – no matter your educational background! We know that it can be hard to fit all of your responsibilities into one day, which is why distance learning is a great option! From beauty courses to IT courses, we have it all! 

Maybe you haven’t finished matric yet, and you’re worried about whether you can still enter for a course? Of course you can! And no need to worry, because we offer Adult Matric and Matric Upgrade courses. 

We also offer CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) courses, for those who want to pursue a career in accounting

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Last Updated: 3 June 2022

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Picture of Vera Viljoen
Vera Viljoen
Who is Vera? I'm an intern writer at Skills Academy. I pride myself on knowing that the work I deliver is thoroughly researched and accurate. I also pride myself in knowing that I can make a person uncomfortable in one second flat. View my LinkedIn profile