Embarking on your University journey is like being thrown into the deep end of the pool. The first year sees plenty of struggles – it will take quite some time to adapt. You’d probably grapple with handling your daily expenses, figuring out how to manage your loan, pondering about taking on a part-time job (or a side hustle), and well, studying too.
Fortunately for you, there are plenty of University hacks out there to help you adapt and cope better. Here, we have interviewed University’s all walks of life and drawn on our own experience to come up with a practical list of University hacks for you to save while you stay on campus!
Related: Financial hacks to help you save more!
Buy Used Textbooks
University textbooks are expensive. They can go up to hundreds of bucks and only be used once during a single semester. Save money by borrowing notes from your seniors; torrenting the PDF copies online; or simply by purchasing second-hand copies. With this university hack, you’d save quite a fair bit.
Don’t Print
In University, you will be reading up on a lot of published papers and notes. Printing notes out may help you sieve through information quickly. That said, you may spend some money (usually through EZ-link cards or credit cards transactions) with the printing shop aunty. If you can make do with learning off your laptop, you’d save more. Plus, it saves the Earth too!
Make Use of Student Discounts
There are perks to being a University student. From enjoying discounts at restaurants or at entertainment outlets (karaoke, cinemas, and even arcades), the list is extensive! You have got to do your due diligence and check out what your University has got to offer.
Use Your Uni’s Sports Facilities
It’s important to keep yourself fit and be physically active while in University – avoid the sedentary! You’d be glad to know that several halls on University campuses offer a basic pool of sports amenities, such as gyms, stadiums, swimming pools, and courts. Making use of them to work out means taking away the costly monthly gym subscription that can save your wallet too.
Check If You’re Eligible For A Bursary
A big part of University life is about autonomy and being in control. You have got to do your due diligence and be responsible. You can start by checking your university websites for bursary or scholarships to apply for (provided you are doing decently well academically). You won’t want to say no to paying lesser school fees or having some extra pocket money to survive university, right?
Connect to Campus Wi-Fi
This is a straightforward one. If you see yourself staying in hall for the most part, you may be paying for a Wi-Fi subscription service. Although the service limits what you can do in school (no online gaming), it can be a good initiative to convert your costly mobile subscription plan into a slightly cheaper one. Here’s to saving more while still staying connected!
Skip The Aircon In Dorms
Singapore’s hot and humid, and having an aircon in the room can be a much-needed respite from the heat. We recommend those who are staying in hostels or dorms to only turn on the aircon when needed. Most halls will require you to pay for the service and they charge by the minutes. If you need to work in a cool ambient, consider studying in the library!
Choose The Right Debit Card
Enjoy perks (such as fuel savings) and cashback (as high as 5%) as you dine at certain restaurants or shop at specific retail shops with your student debit card. There are plenty to choose from, so you have got to figure out what you frequently spend on a monthly basis (fuel, food, shopping, insurances, loans to list a few) and get the card that fits your lifestyle.
Open A Savings Account
It’s important to save even while you are in university and putting in a set sum monthly will go a long way. Plus, chances are, you would have taken up a side-hustle to earn some extra pocket money whilst studying. Reach out to a financial advisor or consultant to figure out the ideal savings plan for you.
Share Subscription Services
From Spotify to Netflix, Disney+ to The Straits Times, there are plenty of subscription services that can enrich your university life. Consider splitting the bill with four of your closest friends and enjoy the benefits of a good movie night or tune in to an insightful podcast without the ad interruptions.
Strategize Your Laundry-washing
In hall, you will need plenty of coins to utilise the washing machines and dryers. However, for heavier laundry items, such as hoodie and sweaters, we don’t recommend washing them on a frequent basis – in other words, don’t always wash them after a single use (unless of course, they have stains and smells). Instead, wash them only when it’s necessary. With these heavier laundry items, you may end up spending a tad more than you should on your every laundry visit (because you may have to split your washing and drying multiple times).
Thrift-shop Or Enjoy Hands-me-down
The phrase “Dress to impress” is exceptionally important in University. After all, you need to be decked in the right outfit when making a presentation, going on a date, or even hanging out with friends. While the temptations to purchase new clothes are there, you could consider thrift-shopping to save more money. However, if you do want to treat yourself, consider shopping at shops that offer installment payment plans, such as hoolah!
Take Away School Buffet Leftovers
There will always be buffets catered to events and even special guests visiting the schools. Usually, there will be leftovers by the end. In the spirit of reducing food waste (and saving some money), you can consider making a visit to these buffet leftovers after the event is over (or when the organisers give the green light to take away)!
It may be useful to join some telegram channels too. Here are some of them:
NTU Free Food: https://t.me/freefoodntu
NUS Buffet Response Team: https://t.me/nusbrt
Don’t Always Splurge On Supper
University life is also about socialising. And that means heading out late to get supper or drinks from food courts or bars. If you may not want to miss out on these interesting, late-night escapades but struggle to save money, consider ordering lesser food or make do with just a drink. It’s important to prioritise what you have and there’s nothing wrong with that.
So, here’s to all the new freshmen. Enjoy every moment, be wise, and here’s us from hoolah wishing you the very best in University! You can do it!
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