With the hefty price of tuition and the rising cost of living, making ends meet as a college student can be challenging. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live on ramen, beans and rice, or go into significant debt to graduate. There are plenty of creative ways to cut costs and save for the future while earning your degree. Being intentional with your money and making wise decisions can go a long way in helping you reach your financial goals.

Check out these six tips on how to increase your income, decrease your spending, and save money as a college student.

Get a part-time job

      Balancing homework and a job can be difficult, but there are many great and flexible options. Look into jobs that fit well with your school schedule. On-campus jobs will save precious commuting time and usually align with your college’s holiday and semester breaks. Whether you’re a tutor, research assistant, or barista, an on-campus job can be a fun opportunity to gain valuable work experience and make new friends. You can also explore remote work opportunities or take on side jobs such as babysitting or yard work.

      Even working just a few hours a week will make a difference in paying your monthly bills and working towards your savings goals.

      Take advantage of your college’s amenities

        Colleges have plenty of on-campus amenities that you can access for free or for a great discount. Utilize your college’s gym, library, and student health services. Many colleges will also host free social events. There may also be additional resources available to you, such as an on-campus food pantry.

        Cook at home or use a campus meal plan

        Meeting a friend for dinner every once in a while is great, but getting your coffee fix at Starbucks every morning on your way to class or ordering fast food every day can quickly add up.

        Sticking to a grocery budget and learning to plan and meal prep goes a long way. If you live on campus, you can also look into your college’s meal plan and see if the price is comparable. Depending on your budget, living situation, and lifestyle, it may be a more cost-effective option.

        Evaluate your housing and transportation options

          If you have the option to live at home or with a family member while attending college, take advantage of it. It may also be cheaper to live off campus with roommates than in a dorm. Or perhaps you would rather live on campus and save money on gas and car maintenance. Evaluate your options to see where you can cut down on costs.

          Consider your options when purchasing textbooks

          Purchasing textbooks for every class can get expensive fairly quickly. But there are other solutions to get your hands on the curriculum for a fraction of the price. Consider renting or purchasing a used textbook. Purchasing the textbook as an e-book may also be cheaper. You can also sell your textbook once you’ve finished the course and get some of that money back.

          Choose the best banking products and services to fit your needs

          When you’re on a tight budget, you don’t want to waste money paying unnecessary fees. That’s why it’s important to find a financial institution that will support your unique financial needs and goals.

          Some banks will offer special student accounts such as a free checking account for college students. You should also consider parking your money in a high-yield savings account, which will earn significantly more interest than a traditional savings account. This is an easy way to let your hard-earned money work for you and build upon your nest egg.

          Poppy Bank offers competitive student checking and high-yield savings accounts. To learn more, visit Personal – Poppy Bank or call (888) 636-9994 to speak with a bank representative today.