We all know the stereotypes: surviving on Top Ramen and Spaghetti O's, using a somewhat clean mug instead of washing the dirty bowl, and pulling all nighters. College is known as a climate where society’s young minds stretch themselves to the brink. Welcome to college, where time is tight and money's tigher. Between rigorous classes, social drinking, petty roommates, and sketchy dining hall food, students have to learn to get by with less.
So how do college students manage their money? What tips, tricks, and strategies have they developed to see them through to graduation? The students at Wittenberg had an array of suggestions.
“If your parents love you, ask them for money," joked Joshua Kelsie, 21, an East Asian studies major. Environmental Science major Jules Bigl, 19, echoed relying on family for help. “When I visit home, I pack up on leftovers and bring them back. I make them last.”
Many students were upfront about being fortunate to have financial needs covered by their parents and being free from those worries. Despite having this luxury, some students, such as Primary Education major Peyton Bell, 19, mentioned taking up a weekend job off campus to make some extra money to cover expenses like gas. Similarly, Lily Winkle, 20, a nursing major, mentioned that she works in a hospital, not only for the credit and experience, but to make a little extra spending money.
Other students made ends meet by working campus jobs. Lee Dallas, an Environmental Science major and English minor, 19, recommended getting a few on-campus jobs so you can get more hours between them. Dallas also suggested picking up side hustles like the commision they get from crocheting. However, they also cautioned against burnout. “Physical and mental health comes first.”
Charity Perry, a Biology major and Education minor, 22, also mentioned taking up a trade. “Learn to sew. Save money by getting the oversized clothes and hem it yourself. Be resourceful.” Perry emphasised saving money by shopping smart, going to the clearance sections, setting a limit for how much you are willing to spend on certain items, etc.
Another Education major, Shane Spencer, 19, mentioned another way to get the most bang for your buck. He suggested using apps to secure deals, coupons, and free food. “Dominoes is the best. They always have that $7.99 pizza coupon.”
While many students mentioned difficulties with budgeting discipline and saving practices, two students who were interviewed use a rigorous plan. Mickey Myers, 22, a Music Education major happily pulled up her Google Sheets document. There was a new page for each month with sections for “Money In, Monthly and Bi-monthly bills, Gas, and Groceries.” She explained her system of organization and said that the key to successful budgeting was self accountability.
Austin Peterson, a 21 year old Psychology and Sociology double major, had a similar spreadsheet system. Peterson went a step further and mentioned checking Self Service to see what each of their paychecks will look like, planning their budget accordingly, and taking out cash in order to save up for larger fun purchases like concert tickets.
It seems that most students who are strapped for cash are managing to balance a full time school schedule, extracurriculars, personal relationships, and part time jobs. When stress is greeting you at every turn, it is helpful to take some unnecessary worry off of your plate, such as financial stress. These tips and tricks may not work for everyone, but finding a system that works best for you is a sure way to ease your financial anxieties and focus on other priorities.
