10 Ways On How To Save Money At University

  Samudraki's Saturdays

University life can be expensive but it doesn't have to be! Most students spend their money on food and rent which is something that cannot be changed much. However there are other expenses which can be easily managed if you keep an eye out for discounts and smart choices while spending. Take it from someone who used to spend waaaaay to much money in the first year of university, to now being able to budget my money such that I have enough for my monthly expenses as well as saving some at the end of the month! Want to know how I did that? Keep reading! Warning, this is going to be a rather long blog because I have so many tips and tricks to saving money as a student.

1. Make A Budget Per Month

Set a limit to how much you will you spend on food and rent and then estimate how much more you need per month for other expenses. These expenses include going out with friends, ordering takeout, partying, traveling and text books. 

2. University Books Don't Have To Be The Latest Edition

Unless otherwise specified by your professor in class, text books don't necessarily have to be the latest edition. There are three ways to save money on books:  

1. Borrow from your senior: chances are that the text book edition from your senior is the same or just one edition older. So if they aren't using it anymore you can borrow the book from them or even buy it at a discounted price. You could also borrow from the university library if you need it for a short period of time.
2. Buy the digital copy: not only is this better for the environment but it also more useful to make notes on your laptop directly on the pdf. With a physical copy you would not want to make notes on the book itself so you'll end up using more paper to write those notes and closer to your exam you'll be panicking trying to find all those notes and summaries for revision.
3. Find the book online for free online: most students do this anyways and then print out the chapters being discussed in class. Yes, it might be illegal copies on the internet but you can definitely save hundreds of euros on books this way. You can print out the chapters at the library printers using your student card for very cheap printing. Please do so at your own risk! 

3. Sign Up For Bonus Cards Or Membership Cards At Your Favorite Stores 

Your student card already unlocks alot of student discounts at branded stores by giving you 10% off, but did you know that with membership cards you can get up to 40% discount?! Guess what, these cards are absolutely FREE to sign up for and all you have to do is go up to the cashier and ask for a card. Make an account, link the card and voila! Now you've got more discount than your student card. 

Here's a list of the most popular FREE cards students get:

• Grocery stores like Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl
• Department stores like Hema, Kruidvat, Etos and Ikea
• Sports stores like Perry
• Cosmetic stores like ICI Paris, Body Shop and Rituals

4. Sign Up At The University's Sports Association Instead Of A Gym

Most universities offer a plethora of sporting activities on campus and all you have to do is pay for a yearly card which could cost upto €60 and bam! You have access to over 50 sports and clubs you can join. This is way cheaper than buying a gym membership for €20 a month and honestly, gyms can be boring after sometime. At the university sports center you can learn new sports like ice skating and rowing and even sky diving! You'll definitely meet many interesting people there and make new friends. If you're trained in a sport already you can also join the university team, so cool! 

5. Don't Use Public Transportation

This is very unlikely that students will use public transport since we bike everywhere and when we can't bike we just walk. However, if you do end up using public transport make sure that you sign up for a student travel product using your personal OV-Chipkaart to get discounts while you travel. Dutch students can travel for free during the week or weekend and international students can also avail discounted travel. Check your options on the DUO and OV websites.

https://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/detail/productvoorwaarden/

6. Don't Buy Your Groceries When You're Hungry

When you're hungry and you go shopping you are bound to buy thing in excess to curb your cravings. Instead, make a list and check your fridge stock before you head out. Definitely grab a bite at the grocery store if you're hungry. I think it's alot more fun to eat while you're shopping for food. Or maybe it's just the foodie in me who loves doing this? 

7. Take Up A Part Time Job 

Since university has quite a strict schedule, most days you're pretty free to do other activities after class. You could also have a 9-5 schedule of classes and tutorials but that still gives you enough time to do a workout, self study and cook dinner. If you think you need extra money on the side for whatever reason, take up a part time job. Most students do part time jobs alongside their studies, however I didn't because of my hectic schedule. The extra cash can help pay off loans, rent, bills and maybe you can even treat yourself from time to time. Along with the monetary benefits, you will get to meet alot of people and get aquainted with the city faster than your peers!

8. Become A Resident Assist

Save money on your rent by getting paid for being an RA. Now this is more relevant for Dutch students but some agencies may make exceptions if you're an international student. It will also be a great way to make friends with international students and you can help them integrate into the Dutch society better. 

9. Join Buy, Swap, Sell Facebook Pages

Just like you, plenty other students also want to get cool stuff for a discounted rate. However most furniture is expensive so join swap and sell facebook pages or online market places where you can trade your stuff for something new or buy things second hand. Just remember that whatever you get you need to transport yourself. So don't forget to hire a bakfiets and take a friend along with you to help you transport big pieces of furniture like a bed, fridge, couch and desk. 

10. Socialising Activities On A Budget

While going out to party with friends is the preferred and most fun activity among college friends, it can burn a hole in your pocket when you check your bank balance the next day, oh and don't forget about the horrible hangover too. A tip to avoid this is by leaving your card at home and taking out some cash instead. This way you limit how much you spend and drink! Clubbing especially during corona times seems impossible, so the next best alternative to socialising and keeping distance is by going out for hikes or biking in the countryside. Netherlands has one of the most scenic countrysides in the world, so definitely take this opportunity to appreciate the beautiful Dutch nature. Virtual movie nights together as a group is also a fun way to replicate a day out at the cinema with friends, but at the comfort of your own homes. Join virtual Facebook events like concerts, cooking workshops and much more which are all almost free or have cheap tickets.

I hope these tips have opened up a whole new way to saving money at University. Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips and tricks to save money during university! 

XO, Samudraki