When you’re an incoming college student, everyone warns you about the dreaded “freshman 15,” that extra weight you’re supposed to gain from late-night ramen and dorm snacks. But honestly, the real “freshman 15” is financial. I somehow managed to spend nearly $1,500 on DoorDash, Uber and impulse shopping in just a few months. Trust me, a full stomach is temporary, but a nearly empty bank account…that lingers far longer than any cheesy pizza you can order at 2 a.m.
It didn’t hit me until summertime that my bank account had severely dipped because of my unnecessary spending habits. So, here are my tips to save money where you can during your first year.
Take advantage of the dining hall, meal swipes and dining dollars.
Most campuses require freshmen living on campus to purchase a meal plan, so you might as well use it. If the dining hall food isn’t cutting it for you, oftentimes nearby restaurants and fast-food places partner with schools and accept swipes or dining dollars. Some campuses even let you spend dining dollars at the bookstore or campus cafes. Just remember: Most swipes or dining dollars don’t carry over to the next quarter or semester, so if you’re looking to stock up on snacks before finals or there’s a piece of merchandise you’ve been eyeing, make sure you get the most for your money. And if you’re not a freshman and you don’t have a meal plan, make friends with a freshman who can swipe you into the dining hall for a free meal.
Use basic needs centers or food pantries.
Many schools now offer free food pantries or “basic needs centers” where students can pick up groceries and hygiene essentials. In California especially, these centers have grown in popularity to help address food insecurity. On my campus (University of California, Irvine), students can either book an appointment or walk in; each visitor gets one basket and a 15-minute shopping window to grab produce, perishables and toiletries.
There’s also the option to request a pre-packaged bag of shelf-stable goods like canned goods, pasta, grains, beans, etc. With grocery prices, especially for dairy and meat, continuing to rise, these centers are a game-changer for students on a tight budget.
Keep note of student discounts.
Flash your student ID everywhere; you’d be surprised where it works. From Spotify, Prime and Hulu bundles to discounts at restaurants, mini golf spots and random local shops, these savings add up fast.
Get your textbooks at a discounted price online.
Textbooks can get expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money on the resources you need. First, check if your school library has e-book versions or reserves copies for checkout. Next, look at online student forums to see if previous students or classmates are selling or lending their used textbooks at a discounted price. You can also explore digital rentals through platforms like Chegg or Amazon Kindle, which often cost much less than buying a physical copy.
Walk or use public or school-provided transportation.
Skip the car costs when you can. Campus shuttles, city buses or simply walking can save serious money on gas, Uber and parking. These methods may not be as quick and easy as driving or using rideshare services, but if you give yourself plenty of time and plan ahead, this can be a great way of cutting costs.
Shop at thrift or discount stores.
Thrift shops and discount stores are a goldmine for more than just cheap clothes. They’re perfect for finding secondhand college gear, unique room decorations or even last-minute costumes or themed outfits for parties. If you’re in Greek life, they’re also a budget-friendly way to put together creative baskets for your big or little.
Get money back for the purchases you do make.
You’re going to end up spending money anyway, so make sure some of it comes back to you. Many banks and credit card issuers offer cashback or rewards points on everyday purchases, so check your app to see what promotions are available for you. On top of that, apps like Fetch let you scan receipts for points that can be redeemed for gift cards, charity donations or entries into sweepstakes.
Work small side gigs.
Put your free time (and random skills) to work. Whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, walking dogs or helping friends build or craft things they can’t do themselves, offering your services to others can be a great way to make some extra cash.
Sign up to be a paid research participant.
One of the easiest ways to make money on campus is by participating in research. At research-heavy institutions, graduate students need participants, and some studies pay surprisingly well for minimal time. Last year, I made $255 from one study alone, so keep an eye out for flyers around campus or check your school’s research center website for openings. Studies can be as simple as completing a survey or, if you’re comfortable, being in an MRI machine. Above all, only sign up for what you’re comfortable with and avoid anything risky, like donating obscene amounts of blood or exposure to high levels of radiation.
This article appears in Aug 14-21, 2025.