Living in an apartment can be a great way to cut your costs as a college student. However, renting a space can be tricky.
This article aims to provide some insider tips to help you save money while you live in your apartment. These tips will also help you avoid falling into debt.
Don’t Overbuy
While it’s tempting to splurge on everything from kitchen gadgets to clothes to a snazzy apartment, there are ways to save while still enjoying the perks of living in college housing.
Try to negotiate with landlords or property managers for discounts and other benefits to get the most bang for your buck. For example, they offer free laundry services, gym memberships, parking passes and other amenities to help you cut your monthly bills.
Consider purchasing some of the best deals for furniture and other essentials like appliances, toiletries, and bedding. For instance, if you’re moving into a new dorm and want to get a good deal on a bed, check out the best furniture rental companies that let you find affordable options in your area.
If you need help with what to get, ask your roommates for their recommendations or go with a trusted family member. Choose someone who has a similar budget and habits. And remember that you might want to get something more significant than the usual twin beds. The right size will allow you to maximize your space and avoid overbuying in the future.
Buy Second-Hand
Purchasing used goods is one of the best ways to cut costs while residing in a student apartment. It can help you keep more money in your pocket, and it’s also better for the environment!
Textbooks for college classes can be a significant expense, so purchasing used is a great way to cut costs. You can even check with your university’s bookstore or search online to find student-specific textbook sites that can provide you with the books you need for a lower price.
Furniture is another area where you can save money by buying second-hand.
Dishware is a must-have in any dorm room, and you can find it at a reasonable price at thrift stores. You can get complete dish sets, coffee mugs and bakeware for less than you would pay at retail stores.
Aside from dishware, a college apartment often requires small appliances such as toaster ovens, microwaves and mini-fridges. In thrift stores, you can get these for a fair price.
Look For Discounts
You can do a few things to save money while living in a college apartment. One of the first steps is to look for discounts when shopping for your apartment. This could include stores offering sales on shopping holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Another way to save is to buy items second-hand. This can be done at Facebook Marketplace and local thrift shops. You can also find discounted items at online discount sites.
Buying second-hand can help you save hundreds of dollars. Textbooks, furniture and other supplies can all be purchased at a fraction of their original price.
The key is to stay organized and track what you already have so you only need to spend what you should. A good idea is to go through your room at home and take inventory of all the items you need for your new dorm.
Once you’ve made a list, try to wait until sales are on before making any purchases. This can save you a ton of money and get you everything you need in time for move-in day.
Make Your Own Meals
Whether you’re a college freshman moving straight from the dorm or an upperclassman who’d rather not repeat dorm life again, living in your own apartment can be a great experience. The freedom to make your own decisions is exciting, and it’s also a time to learn how to manage your money.
The key is to stay organized and avoid overspending. Making and adhering to a budget is one strategy for accomplishing this. Another is to track how much you spend each month or week.
It would be beneficial if you frequently utilized coupons and discounts. They can be found in your local newspaper, online, or in grocery stores.
Many of these coupons can save you a few dollars per item, which is a significant saving in the long run.
Another critical step to saving money while living in your college apartment is to make your own meals. These simple recipes are sure to please and won’t break the bank; they’re quick to make.
Stay Organized
Be organized. Having a clean and organized place can help you get more work done without getting distracted by clutter.
Creating designated spaces for things like books, desk utensils, laptops, and other electronics will keep you on track and avoid clutter. A daily planner can also help keep track of school, work, and personal life tasks.
The best part about these college apartment organization tips is that they’re all cheap and easy to do!
