Ways students can save money

BY HELENA KNUTSON / Marketing Executive

With school in session, it's important students make sure they are spending and saving their money wisely. 

One way students can save money is by eating out less, making meals at home or using Tarleton State University student meal plans.

Emma Stanley, a sophomore horticulture and plant sciences major with a focus in agriculture and agroecology, saves money by cooking instead of eating out.

“I make my breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and create a meal plan with a weekly budget that I always shoot to go under,” Stanley said. “Also, there are so many free meals that are handed out by different churches and organizations. I try to go to those, and I also always buy secondhand if I'm in need of anything, which saves a bunch of money.”

According to kidsmoney.org, college students spend an average of $341 dollars on average a month eating off campus, while students who cook at home only spend $206 dollars a month.

Another way students can save money is by walking places instead of spending money on gas.

Rylan Thomas, a freshman elementary education major, tries to walk or carpool instead of driving to help save money.

“Walking is so much cheaper instead of driving everywhere and paying for gas; as much as it is hard sometimes to walk to places like Walmart or places like that, there are so many other alternatives,” Thomas said. “My friends and I carpool to get groceries, which saves a lot of gas money.”

According to the American Automobile Association, the average vehicle is 60 cents per mile, with the exception of a few small cars. A charge like this doesn't seem like a lot; however, as time goes on, the change adds up.

Most classes at Tarleton require textbooks, but there are many other alternatives to buying new books.

Maegan Hall, a freshman criminal justice major, bought new textbooks, but realized how much money she could have saved if they were bought used.

“Personally, I bought my textbooks brand new and really wished I didn’t,” Hall said. “I was extremely shocked by the prices of my textbooks – definitely a lesson learned.”

According to a survey done in 2021 by the College Board, students pay, on average, $1,240 dollars a year for textbooks. Renting or purchasing used textbooks is a more financially smart option for students.

Several businesses in Stephenville offer deals and discounts for students, such as Lux Nails, Bellas, Fuzzy's Taco Shop and many more

Brilyn Fowler, a junior sports management major, likes using her Texan card for student discounts to help save her money.

“Using student discounts saves me so much money,” Fowler said. “Whenever I get my nails done, I always look to see what discounts are offered. That way, I can still get my nails done, but I’m not paying so much money.”

For students looking for a financial guide, Tarleton Texan Smart offers several tips on budgeting, building credit and calculating student loans.

Texan Smart is located in the Thompson Students Center in room 12.

There are many ways students can save money while on campus; these are just a few.