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Everyone is aware that tuition fees are expensive, but it may come as a shock just how expensive everything else at university is. To ensure you don’t exceed your budget, you need to have a strategy in place to save money.

1. Find a Part-Time Job

You’ll be able to put less effort into saving money if you’re earning an income. Many students look for jobs on campus because employers tend to be understanding of the need to fit your work hours around your class schedule. However, you may like to look off campus if you want to gain a specific type of experience to help you find a job when you graduate.

If you feel like it would be too much work at the same time as studying, an alternative could be to find work during your breaks. There may be seasonal jobs available in the area or you could offer services on a freelance basis.

2. Cook Your Own Meals

Eating out is not only expensive, it’s often unhealthy. With just some basic cooking skills, you can prepare a diverse range of meals. You could even involve your friends or roommates by taking turns to cook and sharing the meal.

3. Track Your Spending

To know exactly where your money is going, it’s necessary to track your spending. Either use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app to make a note of every purchase.

4. Purchase Used Textbooks

One of your biggest expenses at university will be textbooks. If the books you need haven’t changed recently, it makes sense to pick up used versions. As a bonus, the student who had the book before you may have highlighted sections or added notes, which could aid your own understanding of the material. Once you’ve finished a class, sell the textbooks on.

5. Buy Only What You Need

Before making any purchases, think about whether you actually need the items. This is especially important before you start university, as it may be tempting to buy more school supplies than you need. In addition, avoid impulse purchases. It’s always better to give yourself time to think about whether buying something is a good idea. If the item you want is expensive, it may be worthwhile to wait for a sale.

6. Prepare Coffee at Home

Many students enjoy taking a cup of coffee with them to their early classes. However, there’s no need to buy coffee on campus — making it at home is much cheaper. Although one coffee is not too expensive, it adds up to a big difference over several weeks.

8. Find Fully-Furnished Housing

Needing to purchase furniture for your apartment will significantly increase your housing expenses. Plus, you’ll need to think about what you’ll do with all the furniture once you finish university. You’ll either need to sell it (likely at a loss) or ship it (another expense). Avoid these headaches by looking for fully-furnished housing.

You don’t need to look far to find affordable student rentals — St. Catharines has Parkway Lofts. We offer various fully-furnished floor plans to suit every budget, ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites. Our apartments have private or shared luxury bathrooms and a full kitchen as well as a commercial-style kitchen in the common area. Secure your spot now while spaces still remain.