6 Ways to Save Money Living in an Apartment as a Student

Let’s face it: being a student is expensive. From the costs associated with living in an apartment to your tuition and textbooks, there’s a lot to pay for. That’s why it’s so important to save money whenever and wherever you can.

These are just some simple ways you can save money while living in an apartment as a student. There are many more ideas out there so don’t be shy to do some further research.

Check out the six best ways to save money living in an apartment:

1. Find an Apartment Roommate

If your student apartment is big enough and you don’t mind sharing your space with someone else, find a roommate. You can put an ad up on the bulletin board at school, post in Facebook groups, or even make an ad on Kijiji.

Make sure to interview your potential roommate before taking them on. Ensure they value the same things as you like cleanliness, are willing to split the groceries, and won’t have late-night parties.

It’s also wise to first consult with your landlord to see if you are allowed to take on a roommate. Since your new roommate will be splitting the cost of rent, utilities, and groceries with you, you will be able to save a good chunk of money each month, so why not?

2. Use Coupons and Discount Codes

Coupons are a great way to save money as a student. You may find these online, in flyers, or even on items at the store. Use them whenever possible.

It’s usually quite easy to find discount codes for online retailers as well. Do a quick search and see what you can find. Many online shops offer you an opportunity to sign up for their newsletter in exchange for a certain percentage off your first order.

In either case, even if the savings are small, they do add up over time. Look at the big picture and all of the money that you can save in one year by using coupons and discount codes.

3. Buy in Bulk Whenever Possible

A great way to save money living in an apartment is to always buy in bulk whenever possible. Sure, you spend more money upfront when you buy in bulk, but the savings are usually large. For example, buy items like toilet paper, paper towel, dish soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. from bulk retailers like Costco. This will save you lots of money in the long run and you won’t have to run out to the store as often.

You will need to buy a membership to these types of stores, but they usually only cost around $60 for the basic membership. It’s definitely worth looking into.

4. Eat in as Much as Possible

Going to a restaurant or ordering delivery is an easy way to get dinner on the table with minimum work, but it can be very costly, especially if done often.

Although it’s more work, eat in as much as possible. Since your new apartment comes equipped with its own kitchen, why not take advantage of it to save money?

Pick up your groceries (using coupons) and then set some time aside to cook. Simple meals like pasta are not only cost-effective but quick and easy to whip up!

5. Stream Your Favourite Shows and Movies

Cable is not cheap these days. Cut it out completely and you’ll be saving yourself a good chunk of money each month.

Instead, you can stream TV shows and movies for a fraction of the price. Services like Netflix, for example, cost around $12.99 a month for its standard package. Netflix offers thousands of TV shows, documentaries, docuseries, and movies, so you can rest assured you’ll never be bored.

You can also make use of YouTube on your smartphone to watch news clips so you can stay in the know of what is going on in the world.

6. Get a Part-Time Student Job

To help you pay for your living expenses, consider getting a part-time job. As a student, your new boss won’t require you to work crazy hours. Even just a few evening and weekend shifts each week can make the world of difference.

Check with your teachers, guidance councillor, and job boards at your school to see if there are any opportunities you can jump on. Maybe your campus bookstore is looking for help, who knows! If not, search online and start applying for jobs that way.

Getting a part-time job while in school is also a great way to start building your resume. Then, when it comes time to apply for internships, you can show these places that you’re already a reliable employee who has developed good customer service, time management, and interpersonal skills. And it helps pay the bills too!