Money-Saving Tips For Students Living Off Campus

Now that the fall semester is well underway, students living in off-campus housing are probably starting to get used to their independent living situation. Even with parental help, living in a student apartment or house requires being smart with your money.

If you’re looking for ways to balance your budget while living in off-campus student accommodations, try these:

Use the library

Your tuition entitles you to access to lots of campus services. So, even though you live off-campus, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of these things. The university or college library is a great resource. While there are books you will have to buy for your courses, you can do a lot of your research using books and other resources found in the library.

University libraries will have lots of peer-reviewed, academic publications available to either check out or read. While some library resources cannot leave the library, quite often you will have the option of copying pages of the texts.

The library is also a quiet place to work and study – away from noisy roommates or neighbours.

Learn to cook

While food delivery apps seem to be popping up like mushrooms, that doesn’t mean you should use them every day for your meals. Not only is this bad for your health, but it’s also bad for your bank account.

Another benefit of living in off-campus housing is that you’ll likely have a full kitchen. Take advantage of this and learn to cook a few healthy but affordable meals. Buying weekly groceries is much better than ordering takeout all the time.

Cooking is also a life skill you’ll be glad you have later in life.

Use public transit

Instead of having a car – that needs gas, insurance and repairs – take public transit. Most transit systems offer student discounts, especially those in university or college towns.

Taking the bus, streetcar or subway is also way cheaper than taking taxis or using a ridesharing app to get around. You can also walk if you get a student apartment not far from campus.

Are you looking for student houses for rent? Or an off-campus apartment? Check out Gottarent.com to find affordable student accommodations near your school.