How to save money with your off-campus apartment

Now that you’ve decided to move off campus into a sweet new college apartment, you’ll be taking on a new level of financial responsibility. If you thought it was hard to find a few dollars to go out before, now factor in paying for rent, utilities, cable and your own meals. Luckily, the following tips can help keep money in your pocket so you can still enjoy the weekends in style.

Go grocery shopping
After eating in the school cafeteria or dining hall for the past couple of years, you’ve probably gotten used to someone else cooking for you, which can make ordering takeout a serious temptation in your apartment. However, nothing empties a bank account faster than delivery for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Instead, start buying your own groceries to occasionally make a spaghetti dinner or turkey sandwich for lunch – it’s far more affordable.

Give yourself an allowance
Debit cards and credit cards are dangerous because it’s difficult to keep track of how much money you’re actually spending. To keep a closer eye on your finances, give yourself a weekly cash allowance for both essential and recreational items and stick to it. If you take out $100 on Sunday, you’ll know exactly how much money you have for the weekend.

Roommates
Living with roommates is one of the best ways to cut costs in an off-campus apartment. If you have a spare bedroom or two, inviting a couple of friends or classmates to room with you will help divvy up every expense in the apartment. You can also take turns buying items like toilet paper, cleaning products and light bulbs.

 

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