The rising costs of tuition are something that no one wants to deal with, and yet it is a concern that every student and parent faces every day. Sure, there are many ways to get your tuition reduced, but even with a scholarship, there are so many additional costs to consider when going to college. This is why everyone needs to work on improving their spending so that they can save money the best they can.
Improving your funds, exhausting your options, and knowing where to turn to in a pinch are all going to be invaluable life lessons as you – or your child – start higher education. Learn these lessons by following this guide:
Exhaust All Options for Grants and Scholarships
The reality is that you need to start looking through your options ideally at the beginning of high school. You can get scholarships that help you pursue your passion, but if you only have that last year of high school to reach the qualifications, exceed them, then you won’t ever see that hefty discount.
This is why it is a good idea to branch out as much as possible in your early years and then start focussing on what you love to do as soon as you start high school. If you love golf, for example, then working towards ASM golf scholarships can help you become eligible for over 3000 university scholarships and help you save big on your tuition. With the right guidance, you can even be coached through your university years, and move straight into the Pro Leagues or the job market.
Buy in Bulk
In terms of food, it is almost always going to be cheaper to go with the self-catered option. When you do this, you can then save big by buying in bulk. This works wonderfully for dry goods and for frozen foods.
1. What to Buy in Bulk
Dry goods like pasta, rice, flour, and other essentials are great to buy in
bulk. The upfront cost might be high, but bulk bags of these items can last you
an entire semester.
2. What to Buy Frozen
Vitamins are critical to a healthy mind and body, but you don’t need to get them from “fresh” food. Unless it is from a farmer’s market and is locally produced, fresh food has traveled hundreds if not thousands of miles. Frozen food, on the other hand, is often frozen on-site, meaning it contains more nutrients than its grocery store’s fresh counterparts. Another bonus? It’s a lot cheaper.
Be Aware of Any Savings and Deals Available
A lot of cities will offer discounts on public transport for students. There might also be a discount card you can get as a student that will help you save on anything from school supplies to new clothes. These are almost always worth it if you get them early.
Always Ask for Student Discount
A lot of places will offer a student discount, even if they don’t explicitly offer it on their signs. Though it won’t always work, it is worthwhile to ask if the store you are in has a student discount before you immediately pay full price.
Tip: there are also online extensions for browsers that can help you find discount codes or cheaper versions of a product when shopping online.
You will learn how to budget better throughout college in 2020, but if you know these tricks and tips before you start in September, then you will be far better off than any of your classmates and will be able to save right from the start.
