Magastos ang buhay-estudyante, and it’s really true. But that does not mean that it should be your mindset. In fact, there are so many ways for you to save money while studying. Don’t believe me? Well, read on, and learn about the 10 financial hacks that can help students like you!
1. Buy or rent used textbooks from upperclassmen
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Being friendly is good because you can ask upperclassmen—or your kuyas and ates in school—to lend or let you buy their old textbooks. Bonus points if those textbooks have notes in them—you’ll surely be able to answer your teacher’s questions with ease!
2. Cut out your vices
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Why smoke when you know it’s bad for your health—and bad for your wallet, as well? And, why drink at those fancy coffee or tea shops when you know you could make your own drinks, or just drink water instead?
3. Apply for scholarship
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Eh pang-matalino lang yun might be what you have in mind, right? Well, everyone is smart in his own way—and surely, you are, too. Applying for scholarship is a good challenge for yourself—and a good way to save money you would otherwise pay for tuition, which will really make your parents—and you—happy. Besides, there are other kinds of scholarships. You could get an athletic scholarship or apply as a student assistant (SA) —the choice is yours!
4. Know your discounts
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Use that student fare discount when riding a jeepney—just do not abuse it. Look for student discounts at your favorite restaurants or malls. Look for coupons online. Even Amazon provides great discounts for students—you just have to make use of them.
5. Live with others
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If your house is near the school, you can opt not to stay in a dorm. However, if you feel like it would be better for you to stay in a dorm or a house near the school, make sure that you think of affordable ways of doing it. You can stay with trusted relatives or friends near school. Don’t stay alone in an apartment or condo unit—especially if you know you’ll have a hard time keeping up with the costs.
6. Bring your own baon—or eat at the canteen
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You don’t have to eat at a fastfood restaurant each day. It’s also fun if you could bring your own food—and maybe even swap with friends! You could also opt to eat at the canteen—it’s old-school goodness, you see!
7. Don’t buy load unless you need it
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If you know you’re not going to be texting anybody, and you are not expecting text messages, just forego the need to buy load each day. Better yet, you could buy one of those P300 cards and just text when you have to—it might last for a month!
8. Use school facilities
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Schools have clinics—go there if you’re not feeling well. It’s part of your tuition. Some schools have good gyms, too—make use of them. Get your money’s worth.
9. Walk or ride a bike to school—if you can
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If school is just a few blocks away, wake up early, and then walk or ride a bike to school. Not only will you get to save money, you’d get to exercise, too!
10. Sell what you no longer need
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And, remember that being in school is not an excuse not to make profit. Sell some of those useful things that you no longer need—you get to help others out, and you gain profit, as well!
Keep these tips in mind and save money as you study!