Budgeting

Save Money on Housing

Will you be living in the residence halls? Most students choose double-occupancy rooms, which are shared with one other person. A few single-occupancy rooms are available, but at a greatly increased cost. Even if you’ve had your own room your whole life, having a roommate gives you the chance to get to know another person while you save money. In past years, a limited number of triple-occupancy rooms have been available for the budget-minded. The same size as a double-occupancy room, triple-occupancy rooms typically cost about 18 percent less than a double-occupancy.

If you’ll be living off-campus, consider renting a shared rather than a single room. This can save you as much as $250 a month! Does sharing a bedroom sound like too much to ask? Look for a private bedroom with shared bath for typical savings of $50-$70 a month. Also, apartment rent is usually less expensive than rents for houses with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. There are many more apartments than single-family houses available for rent in Davis, meaning that apartments are easier to find as well as more affordable.

Save Money on Food

If you’ll be living in the residence halls, you’ll be required to purchase a meal plan. Think carefully about your eating habits and available funds before committing to a plan. Will you really eat three meals a day in the dining commons, or are you likely to grab coffee and a pastry for breakfast and lunch at the Coffee House every now and then? You may change your meal plan at the beginning of each new quarter. Consider buying a mid-priced plan for your first quarter, then re-evaluating your needs each subsequent quarter.

Off-campus residents can save money on food by preparing more meals at home (including bag lunches) and minimizing trips to restaurants. Grocery stores have regular sale rotations on popular items; learn when your favorites are on sale and stock up.

Save Money on Transportation

The easiest way to save money on transportation in Davis is not to bring a car with you. You won’t be trapped; there are plenty of options for getting around without a private car. Even if you do bring a car for your own use, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on parking fees and gas by leaving it parked unless you need to take a trip out of town.

More Ways to Save

Use caution with credit cards. They’re easily available, and if you use one wisely, you can build your credit for the future. But many college students use them for impulse buys and non-essential items and end up thousands of dollars in debt. Consider getting a debit card linked to your checking account for a convenient, safe way to pay.

Think carefully about what you need and what you can live without. Do you really need designer clothing or an expensive dinner out? Davis is full of fun, inexpensive places to go and things to do. Instead of going shopping or to a first-run movie for entertainment, stop by the Pavilion at the Arc for a basketball game or see what’s playing at Campus Cinema.

A college education may seem expensive, but if you’re willing to make wise budgetary choices, you’ll find it is an affordable, as well as valuable investment!