Being a college student can be a financial struggle. Working a few hours, spending money on food, gas, clothes, and going out, all while trying not to go completely broke – I’ve been there, done that. Here are a few ways I have learned to save money.

Share a ride

After living in a sorority house with 67 girls, I’ve picked up a few tips that have saved me money so far in my sophomore year. First, carpooling can make a big difference. Whether we’re heading to an event or grabbing food, coordinating rides with friends not only saves on gas but also helps avoid parking fees. It’s amazing how much you can save by simply sharing a ride. If you're in college, I highly recommend creating group chats with friends to coordinate carpooling—it’s an easy and effective way to cut down on costs.

Rent or borrow clothes

Second, rather than buying a new outfit for every function, consider renting clothes or borrowing from others. There are at least five different Instagram accounts of girls just within my house who are constantly renting clothes. This has come in handy for sorority and fraternity functions, as well as gamedays, so I didn’t have to worry about going out and buying new clothes. Instead, I would rent a dress for $15, wash it, and then return it. It’s an affordable way to upgrade without the commitment of a full-price purchase.

Save on meals

Lastly, when you go to restaurants, I always either split meals, get a kids' meal, or choose a meal that's big enough to create leftovers. At the sorority house, we only have access to food on weekdays, so on weekends, I’ve had to find the most cost-effective ways to eat out. My favorite meal on a budget is the Chipotle $5 kids' quesadilla.

While college can be expensive, there are many ways you can work with others and get creative to save money. Small habits like these can add up and help ease the financial burden that often comes with being a student. The key is to stay open to alternatives and be mindful of your spending. With a little planning and collaboration, you can make college life more affordable without sacrificing your experiences.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!