Leaving home and going to college can be a lot for young college students. You’re in an unfamiliar territory and you’re trying to figure out friends, classes and how to function away from your parents. On top of that, we’ll also really be responsible for our own finances. For many of us, it will be the first time we’ve have had to do this, and for some it’ll be quite difficult. Let’s dive into a few things I myself or friends did in college to help make ends meet:

Get A Part-Time Job

A part-time job will not only be good for your finances, but it will also help you to learn new skills that you may not learn in class. You will learn what it is like to be controlled by a boss, and how to deal with customers. Money earned from this part-time job could help reduce your dependence on needing student loans, or just provide you with some much needed spending money. Mrs. Money worked part-time as a lifeguard in college, that is until (no joke) some drunk college kid climbed on top of the glass roof one night and fell through into the pool, with glass everywhere.

Create A Budget

Create a budget that lets you spend less than you earn.  Keep track of your spending vs your income and maybe even build up a little balance in case of an emergency, like a last minute spring break trip to the beach!

You’ll definitely want to open a bank account, as this will make managing your money much easier, and you are less likely to spend excess money than if you have it in cash.

Have a Credit Card

It is not a bad idea to have a credit card, typically just for emergencies. At this stage of your life, probably one without an annual fee makes more sense. It’s up to you how you use it, whether just for emergencies or more often. Whatever you do though, definitely make sure you pay it off each month and don’t pay interest on a balance! No one would ever advocate that you run up loads of credit card debt. Getting a credit card now will also allow you to start building a credit history, so get in a good habit now!

Create Financial Goals

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because you are a college student you do not need to think about your future financial goals. There is no time like the present to start preparing for a secure financial future, and taking the time to learn to manage your money properly will go a long way toward that.

Shop Smart

It may feel good to wear the most expensive shoes, but a cheaper pair will protect your feet just the same. The same thing applies to branded foods, as the store brand ones are much cheaper and will do the job just as well. Be a smart shopper and instead of putting profits into coffers of the huge corporations, keep it in your pocket.

When you start college you’ll have a lot to learn. It will be a totally different way of life to what you have been used to and should be a fun time as well as a time for some hard work.  Following the tips above will help to keep stress over finances off your shoulders, as with everything else going on that is the last thing you want.

Remember though, that you should enjoy your time in college and do not let money become an obsession that spoils the experience for you.

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links that may earn me a commission. I am recommending these companies based on my research and/or experience and truly think you would benefit from them, regardless of any commission I may earn.