University life often comes with financial challenges, but being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing your quality of life. In fact, adopting a frugal mindset can help you make the most of your resources and stretch your budget further. In this blog post, we’ll explore some frugal living hacks specifically tailored to students.
1. Meal planning and batch cooking
One of the most significant expenses for university students is food. By planning your meals ahead of time and cooking in batches, you can save both money and time.
This tip is for students who are living away from home, but even if you live at home taking food with you will save on costs! Here’s how:
- Create a weekly meal plan.
- Buy groceries in bulk or take advantage of discounts.
- Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers for future meals.
- Explore budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips.
2. Textbook savings
Textbooks can be a significant financial burden, but there are ways to save your money.
- Buy your textbooks second-hand from students who have taken the class before.
- Look for digital versions or open-access resources.
- Consider sharing textbooks with classmates.
- Explore online marketplaces for discounted books.
3. Discounts and student deals
Being a university student often comes with exclusive discounts and deals!
You can get discounts at Vox Cinema, Samsung, Jarir Bookstore, Spotify, Aleph, H&M, Pull&Bear, and, Flynas to name a few!* To get these discounts you may need to show your student ID.
Pro tip: Always ask if a discount is available when making purchases!
4. DIY dorm and room decor
If you are living in your dorm or staying at home, decorating your room doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. Decorating your dorm room on a budget can be a fun challenge and cost-effective! Here are a few tips:
- Upcycle or repurpose items you already have.
- Create your decorations through DIY projects.
- Shop for affordable decor at discount prices.
- If living in a dorm, consider buying items second-hand or renting items like a mini-fridge or microwave.
5. Public transport and carpooling
Transportation costs can add up, but you can save money by exploring alternative options like:
- Public transport: If your city offers buses, trains, subways, or metros think of taking those to get to classes. Take advantage of student pricing for public transport!
- Carpooling (or ridesharing) with friends: If you aren’t able to use public transport, then consider getting to university with your friends. Maybe you could pick them up
Living frugally as a university student doesn’t mean missing out on experiences or opportunities. By adopting these frugal living hacks, you can manage your finances effectively while still enjoying your academic journey.
From saving on food and textbooks to maximizing student discounts and creatively decorating your room, these strategies will help you make the most of your time at university and set a strong financial foundation. Embrace the frugal mindset and you’ll find that financial responsibility can coexist with a fulfilling university experience.
*: We have not partnered nor are affiliated with these companies. The listed companies that offer student discounts can change at any time. This list is for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.