8 Smart Ways to Save Money in College

Then list your typical expenses:

• Rent and utilities
• Food and groceries
• Transportation
• Subscriptions and entertainment
• School supplies
  

Try the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% for essentials (housing, food, bills)
• 30% for wants (fun, takeout, streaming)
• 20% for savings or paying off student loans
  

Pro Tip:  Take the guesswork out of budgeting with AbbyBank’s free Personal Finance tool, built right into Online Banking and Mobile Banking. It lets you see all your accounts — even those from other banks or credit cards — in one place, so you always have the full picture. Track your spending, set budgets and goals, and spot recurring subscriptions to stay on top of where your money’s going.

2. Use Your Student Discounts

Your student ID is more powerful than you think. Tons of retailers, streaming platforms, software companies, and even restaurants offer student discounts, sometimes up to 50% off!

Look for deals at places like:

• Amazon Prime Student
• Spotify or Apple Music Student Plans
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Clothing stores like ASOS, Madewell, and J.Crew
• Local movie theaters or museums
  

Always ask if a discount is available; a few dollars saved here and there can really add up. Plus, consider an AbbyBank credit card to earn rewards on your subscriptions and purchases.

View Our Rewards Credit Card Options

3. Cook at Home and Meal Plan

Ordering food or late-night dining hall runs can get pricey fast, so it’s time to start actually making all those TikTok and Insta Reels recipes you have saved up. Cooking basic meals and planning groceries in advance can save hundreds of dollars each semester.

Easy, affordable meal ideas:

 

• Pasta with sauce and veggies
• Rice bowls with beans or stir fry (grab a bag of frozen mixed veggies to toss in – cheap and easy!)
• Overnight oats or eggs and toast for breakfast
• Bulk-prepped soups and stews
  

 

Bonus: It’s usually healthier, too. Check this out: 29 Easy Recipes for College Students.

Related Reading: How to Budget Rising Food Prices

4. Max Out Campus Resources

If your school offers it, use it. Many students don’t realize that their tuition and fees cover access to:

• On-campus gyms
• Career counseling
• Tutoring and writing centers
• Free mental health support
• Student legal aid
• Printing labs and computer software
  

You’re already paying for these services, so why not take advantage?

5. Open a Student-Friendly Bank Account

Your checking account should be the least of your worries. Having the right checking account makes managing your money much easier.

AbbyBank’s E-Checking Account is perfect for students because there’s:

• No monthly service fee
• No minimum opening deposit
• No minimum balance requirement
• Go paperless with e-statements to be more eco-friendly
• Access your account on campus or at home from your phone or computer with online and mobile banking services

It’s a smart, stress-free way to learn financial responsibility with tools you’ll use beyond graduation.

6. Buy Used or Digital Textbooks

Don’t pay full price for textbooks if you don’t have to. Check for:

• Used editions at the campus bookstore
• Rental options from sites like Chegg, Amazon, or CampusBooks
• Free PDFs or open-source versions (sometimes professors post them!)
• Ask a friend if they’re finished with their copy, and borrow or buy from them
  

Compare prices and formats before committing, and don’t forget to sell your books back at the end of the semester for extra cash.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

Even saving just $10–$20 per paycheck adds up over time. Having an emergency fund helps when life throws you a curveball:

• Car repairs
• Medical bills
• Travel home for a family emergency
• Replacing a broken laptop or phone

Start small — even $100 can give you peace of mind when unexpected expenses pop up.

Read Next: 6 Easy Ways to Jump-Start Your Emergency Fund

8. Be Smart With Credit Cards

Credit cards aren’t free money. They’re a tool, and one that needs to be used wisely.

If you have a credit card:

• Pay the balance off in full each month
• Avoid impulse purchases
• Never spend more than you earn
• Watch out for late fees and interest
  

Building good credit now can help you down the road when it’s time to apply for an apartment, car loan, or mortgage. AbbyBank offers tools and guidance to help you manage credit responsibly.

Related: Cracking the Credit Code: The Ultimate Guide to Decoding Your Credit Score

College Can Be Affordable with the Right Habits

Saving money in college doesn’t mean you have to skip all the fun. It just means learning to make smarter choices and being intentional with your spending. With the right tools, like a solid budget, student discounts, and AbbyBank's eChecking, you can enjoy college life without breaking the bank.

Looking for more financial tips and student-friendly tools?

Check out AbbyBank’s checking accounts and educational resources designed to support your success at every step.