Changes – both big and small – can have a big impact on our finances. If you have the ability and self-discipline to abide by some of these money-saving tips, you could see the pay off in real time.
On-campus housing
- A single room is usually priced higher than a shared room – consider getting roommates to save money.
- Rooms in newer buildings or buildings with more amenities tend to be priced higher than legacy buildings.
- It’s important to choose wisely the room type and location that fits your budget best. For room rates, choose your campus: , , and .
- If you have a passion for building community, you may want to consider applying to be a resident adviser or community assistant; both positions offer coverage for room and board costs.
Off-campus housing
- If you live with roommates, the cost is often less, especially if you split bills like cable, WiFi, electricity and water.
- If you’re trying to furnish an apartment or rental, you can often find gently used furniture for free or low-cost. Social media sites, online groups and other sites often have postings for used furniture.
- If you already qualify for government benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI, or TANF, you may be eligible for the (LIHEAP) to help pay your housing utility bill.
Food & dining
- Coffee and snacks on the go may seem cheap, but the cost can add up! Invest in a coffee pot and thermos, or buy snacks in bulk from the store instead.
- Buying groceries and cooking meals can be cheaper and healthier than going out to restaurants.
- All three 91探花campuses have a food pantry to help students make ends meet and keep their plates full. Check out your campus’s resources: , Seattle,
- For UW-Seattle students with a dining plan, make sure the plan is right for you. If you have a lot of extra dining dollars left at the end of the quarter, consider changing your .
Transportation
- Leave your car at home! With the U-PASS, bike and car sharing programs, and a number of cities in close proximity, you could save a lot by not adding car expenses to your budget.
- With your , public transportation is more accessible! Seattle students are automatically enrolled in the U-PASS, but and students may purchase a subsidized U-PASS as well.
- The for聽Puget Sound Metro systems is helpful to聽find out when the next bus is coming.
- Biking can be a great, cheap way to get around campus and commute to class if you live close by.
- Plan your trip by using all forms of public transportation. finds the quickest, most convenient route for you.
- If you must have a car on campus, try saving money by parking in free street parking spots. 91探花campuses also have a number of options for parking passes depending on your needs: , , .
- Car sharing programs, like Zipcar, are good alternatives if you don’t always need a car, but occasionally require one.
Textbooks & school supplies
- Campus libraries may have a copy of textbooks you need for your classes. Check to see if it’s there, but be warned, someone else may be using it when you need it.
- Used textbooks from the bookstore or other retailers can help you save a pocketful on textbooks and supplies.
- Many stores including the 91探花bookstore offer seasonal student discounts on laptops and other supplies throughout the year. Remember that if you receive financial aid, you may聽request a revision to聽use federal student loans to help you purchase a computer: Revision Request for Additional Expenses
- Instead of buying new notebooks for every class, consider getting a reusable binder with loose-leaf, or even better, take notes on your computer.
Entertainment
- Many places offer student discounts if you have your school ID, including movie theaters, sporting companies and even hair salons.
- Lots of student clubs and departments on campus聽free and low-cost events like fitness classes and movie nights!
- TV streaming services could replace your cable bill. Netflix, HBO, and Hulu, among others, offer popular TV shows at a low cost.
- Students get a one-year subscription to Amazon Prime when they use their “.edu” email to register. You can save on shipping, plus access free movies, shows and music.