1. Regularly assess needs versus wants - Reynolds says determine what you
need for school first, such as a computer, school supplies and textbooks and
make those purchases priority. Once you realize how much you pay for the things
that you actually need, you will shy away from wasting money on unnecessary
items.
2. Plan meals around savings - This is a great tip for
those students not on a meal plan. Reynolds warns of missing out on a fantastic
coupon just because the item is not on your grocery list. Planning your meals at
the same time as reviewing coupon offers and store circulars lets you take
advantage of really great deals.
3. Consider consignment shopping -
Both Reynolds and Woroch note the benefits of consignment shopping. Often,
there are great finds at your local consignment shop, including some top brands.
You can save up to 70% off wardrobe essentials. MagicYellow.com can help you
find the nearest consignment shop in your neighborhood.
4. Bulk is
not always cheaper - Check the price per unit and be sure to use coupons.
Reynolds notes that you can save significantly on a single item purchase, making
the cost of a smaller size item the better choice.
5. Consider store
brands when they are on sale - Whether buying groceries, detergent or school
items, Reynolds suggests purchasing the store brands when they are on sale.
Often times, there will be in-store coupons associated with the store brands.
Look into signing up for a CVS card or your grocery store's card to be eligible
for savings.
6. Rent textbooks from sites like Chegg.com and
Bookrenter.com - Woroch advises visiting these sites before buying from your
school's bookstore. You can find coupons at FreeShipping.org to save on those
textbook rentals. Get a coupon code for 5% off rentals at Chegg!
7.
Take advantage of your school's cafeteria food as often as possible - If you
have a meal plan, going out and buying food off campus is an unnecessary,
additional expense. If you are set on going out with friends or simply sick of
the food, Woroch suggests looking for happy hour or early-bird deals on dinner.
Some bars offer discounts on food for late night dinning during the week to get
more traffic through the door. Look out for deals by using your smartphone with
the Happy Hour Finder app. You can also check-in on Foursquare to find
restaurant deals and freebies like free appetizer with entree purchase and use
your zip code on RedPlum to find localized deals.
8. Share a warehouse
club membership - Woroch advices splitting a club membership fee with
several college friends to share the bulk buys and save big on basic dorm room
cleaning supplies like laundry detergent or even food staples like oatmeal for
quick microwave breakfasts. These stores may also offer better prices on body
lotion, toothpaste and other such necessities.



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