Graduate Without Breaking Your Bank
- Know what you want to study!
- Keep in touch with your Academic Advisor and Financial Counselor.
- Only borrow what you absolutely need and keep track of it!
- Some grants require that you keep a minimum GPA; so start studying.
- Apply for endowed scholarships.
- Repeating a class for a better grade will end up costing you twice the price.
- Try not to drop classes after the refund point.
- 1st week = 100% refund
- 2nd week = 70% refund
- 3rd week = 60% refund
- 4th week = 50% refund
- Get a summer job to help make the school year less stressful financially.
Food
Here are some easy ways to save when you get hungry:
- Trying to eat on 12 cents? Two words: Ramen Noodles.
- Kick the bottled water habit.
- Yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, bagels, and peanut butter are all affordable, convenient and much more healthy than a late night burger and fries.
- USE your meal plan.
- As tedious as it might be, CLIP COUPONS! You’ll save a bundle.
- Stop dining out.
- Cook with friends.
- Buy generic brands, they are just as good as name brands.
- Pack your lunch for work.
- Bring your own snacks/drinks to avoid vending machines when going to work and running errands.
- If you do have to go out for a meal, it never hurts to ask if they offer a student discount. You could save 10% just by showing your server your SEMO I.D.
Entertainment
Here are some ways to save money and still have fun:
- Shop at places with student discounts
- Join a club or an intramural sports team.
- Start a book club.
- Turn your hobby of photography, computer skills, music, etc, into a side job.
- Walk, rollerblade or skateboard! It will keep you entertained and it’s good for you.
- Go see a matinee, or hit up the next Midnight Movie.
- Learn how to buy clothes at consignment stores. You’re likely to find a lot of “gently used” name brand products.
- Volunteer at the local soup kitchen or youth center.
- Turn in your old CDs/DVDs for credit, and get new ones.
- Browse the internet; it’s free and never ending!
Extra Costs
Here are a few ways to save on life's essentials while living on a college budget:
- Save on gas by: carpooling, walking, or riding a bike.
- Choose either a landline or a cell phone; not both.
- If living off-campus, have roommates to help split the rent.
- Turn ceiling and portable fans off when leaving the room.
- Save money on bills by keeping the A/C or heat turned down or off if possible.
- When buying cleaning products, consider going to the dollar store
- Recycle for the environment, Reuse as much as you can, and Reduce the amount of waste you produce.
- Turn the light off when leaving a room, or use natural sunlight as long as you can.
- Hand-me-downs are not a bad thing when trying to furnish your living area.
- Avoid late fees by paying your bills on time!
- Get a job!