Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash College is a difficult time for many young people in a financial sense. You’re trying to live independently for the first time, but are unable to make all that much cash. What money you do have needs to go on things like textbooks. Are there any ways to save money during college? Fortunately, you can save money if you choose to be frugal. Here are 5 easy ways to save money while at college.

1. Get cheap renters insurance

Most students know little to nothing about insurance. You probably don’t know if students need renters insurance or what it even entails. However, without renters insurance, you may end up in financial straits. Renters insurance covers your possessions in case of theft or destruction. So, if your phone or laptop is stolen, you don’t have to stress about somehow being able to afford a replacement. You can claim from insurance immediately. The good news is that renters insurance is cheap. You can get it for as little as $5 a month.

2. Use campus facilities

If you’re living on campus, you are paying a lot for the privilege, albeit through your student loans. This might seem strange, since dorm rooms are small. However, you do have access to many expensive facilities and you should absolutely take advantage of them. Use the campus gym rather than paying for a membership or buying your own equipment. Join a sports team if you prefer to exercise through sports. Instead of eating at restaurants off campus when not using the cafeteria, find out if there are subsidized restaurants on campus. You’re paying a lot for college because it provides you with everything you need. Taking advantage of what it offers is crucial if you are to save money.

3. Attend free events

One of the big expenses college students face is entertainment. You need to find something to do to relax after a long week of study, after all. Going to clubs or concerts is expensive, as is going to a movie theater. But there are regularly free events on campus. Some of these may not immediately catch your attention, but don’t write them off immediately. The big benefit of campus events – aside from them being free – is that you get to explore new interests and hobbies. You might not think attending a photo exhibition will be entertaining, while it may actually become something you’re passionate about.

4. Sell your textbooks (and buy second hand)

Textbooks are one of the big expenses you will have to take care of every single year. Textbooks are expensive for a number of reasons – they are compiled by many experts, there is a relatively small target audience, and the resources required for the research are costly. However, that does not make it your responsibility to cover those costs. Textbook publishers will often try to get students to buy new books by constantly putting out new editions. Chances are that you can make do with an old edition, even if the page numbers are slightly different. Sell the textbooks you no longer use at the end of the year and see if you can buy those you need second hand. By minimizing your spend on textbooks, you can save significant money while also making life easier for other students. Also, don’t forget that Rice University offers some free textbooks and resources through the OpenStax portal.

5. Take advantage of student discounts

There are many places that provide student discounts, especially for things which can technically be considered educational. This may include things like software, fashion, and more. One reason students do not take advantage of student discounts is that they simply forget to ask. Whenever you are dealing with a new outlet, ask if they provide student discounts. The worst they can say is no. With the benefits of student discounts, you might find yourself saving money on regular expenses. It is possible to save money while at college. You will need to be conscious of what you are spending and finding ways to save.