My heart shatters as I put the $30 dress back on the rack — it’s just too expensive.

College is the perfect playground for students to learn how to save money. Whether it be textbook costs, food costs or miscellaneous costs — we have to learn where to direct our spending.  

It’s been just over a month into college, and I’ve found many ways to save money. Recently, I decided that it was time to purchase a new skirt. After browsing various store websites, I came to the conclusion that nothing was worth the hole in my pocket. That is, until I stumbled across a Facebook group called “Champaign Closet Recycle.”

Everything changed from there.

After browsing for half-an-hour, I settled on a red and black striped pencil skirt, worn only once by the owner, selling for $5. As soon as I saw the skirt, something rang a bell, so I pulled up the Forever 21 website. Low and behold, that exact skirt was selling for $18. $5 versus $18 — I hit the jackpot.

This got me thinking, since I’m paying almost $50,000 a year in total costs to attend the University, why should I spend what’s more than necessary on miscellaneous items? 

Thus, I concluded that there are many ways that you can save money and still attain most of what you need.

Tip 1: Utilize your meal plans.

For those living in dorms, you’re paying between $5,000 to $6,000 for dining hall food. I suggest trying to eat there most of the time and taking some food back with you.

I’ve noticed that a lot of students have the habit of eating out on Green Street despite having their meal plans. Even though it’s understandable to treat yourself once and a while, it is completely unnecessary to eat out three to four times per week, unless your plan forces you to — which is highly unlikely considering the options are 10 meals with 45 credits or 12 meals with 15 credits.

Believe it or not, $10 here and there adds up to much more money spent than anticipated. Plus, it wastes the money you spent on a meal plan because you’re not making use of it. For those who have apartments, learn to cook, buy vegetables and sustain yourselves on a grocery budget of $30 a week. 

Tip 2: Plan ahead on school supplies spending.

Textbooks, workbooks and paper all add up — be smart and spend wisely. As a first-semester freshman in college, I eagerly bought four notebooks, three folders and different colored pens for my five classes. One month into the school year, and I’ve barely touched two of those notebooks because I realized I can take notes on my laptop.

I understand some people absorb information better by writing notes down, but buying one notebook for each class is completely unnecessary — especially since the class will be over in a matter of months. Not to mention, you can reuse your notebooks as well.

In your easier classes, take notes on the laptop to cut down cost. When it comes to textbooks, I know many students already buy books online for cheaper, but if you buy your books earlier and plan ahead, you can look for the best deals without struggling with a time restriction. I-clickers can also be rented for a semester for free through the Illinois Student Senate.

Tip 3: Track your spending.

This may seem obvious, but many students fail to realize how much they are actually spending. If you keep a journal, you can calculate and see for yourself how much money you are taking out of your pocket. By noticing and keeping track of spending patterns, such as stopping to buy a coffee every morning, you can total your costs at the end of each month. This can help you alter your spending habits. 

Tip 4: Get a checking account.

According to Forbes, a checking account is the best financial management system for college students to have. Credit unions essentially work like banks, but give back to their customers through lower fees and better loan rates. You can also get your checks for free.

Tip 5: Go to class.

You’re paying approximately $200 per class — so if you skip, you’re essentially paying $200 toward sleeping in or hanging out with friends. 

This whole issue of finance hit me when I saw the $13 difference between the same exact skirt. College is expensive, but by following these useful tactics, we can put less of a burden on ourselves and our parents.

Simran is a freshman in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].