Money Saving Lifestyle Tips for College Upperclassmen
Aside from being that much closer to graduating, one of the major perks of reaching junior/senior status in college is the flexibility in living arrangements. Many schools require incoming freshmen to live in the dorms. Although campuses like Stanford boast pretty impressive housing layouts, the lifestyle that comes with dorm living still leaves some things to be desired.
College upperclassmen have the ability to choose from a variety of living options that are off campus. From renting a studio or apartment to renting out a room in a house or even undertaking the task of buying a place, this type of flexibility certainly comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
The most glaring disadvantage to being an upperclassman living off campus is undoubtedly the expenses category. In addition to budgeting for rent and utilities, upperclassmen are responsible for other basic things like food, furniture, as well as unexpected costs.
However, it is entirely possible for upperclassmen to enjoy a lifestyle off campus without worrying about going to the poorhouse.
Categorize “Needs” vs. “Wants”
Because money is always a concern for college students, it is essential that upperclassmen living on their own learn how to adapt to a new way of spending and budgeting. Before making any kind of purchase outside of the norm, practice asking yourself, “Is this something I want or is it something I need?”
It sounds simple but when forced to ask this question every time, students will eventually realize what a difference saying “no” to a certain purchase could mean for their budget.
Simplify & Cut Costs
People tend to make this lifestyle tip more complicated than necessary. The first step is to look at the products you regularly spend money on. Do you find a portion of your funds going to things like bottled water? Save money in the long run by switching to a water softener and using metal water bottles (skip the plastic for the environment’s sake).
Making these types of changes will involve an initial cost but choosing a quality company like Kinetico , will put in place money saving measures for months and even years to come.
Take Advantage of Public Resources
Instead of jumping in the car and spending money on gas, opt for public transportation. College students often get special rates/discounts for bus/train passes, which is great for saving money. Using a bicycle to get around is also a more economical approach to transportation costs, as is carpooling.
Learn to Love Warranties
College students love their electronic devices and gadgets. From laptops and printers to other key items like furniture and household products, make sure to secure a warranty. Accidents happen and the best way to stay financially secure is to avoid shelling out money for repairs and replacements that could easily be taken care of through a warranty policy.
When shopping for certain items via websites like www.kineticosa.com , make it a point to look up the warranty information and don’t hesitate to speak with a consultant/salesperson to address all questions and concerns to.