Changes – both big and small – can have a big impact on our finances. If you have the ability and self-discipline to abide by some of these money-saving tips, you could see the pay off in real time.

Court17Desks

On-campus housing

  • A single room is usually priced higher than a shared room – consider getting roommates to save money.
  • Rooms in newer buildings or buildings with more amenities tend to be priced higher than legacy buildings.
  • It’s important to choose wisely the room type and location that fits your budget best. For room rates, choose your campus: Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma.
  • If you have a passion for building community, you may want to consider applying to be a resident adviser or community assistant; both positions offer coverage for room and board costs.

two women sitting in on a bed, with one woman playing a guitar

Off-campus housing

  • If you live with roommates, the cost is often less, especially if you split bills like cable, WiFi, electricity and water.
  • If you’re trying to furnish an apartment or rental, you can often find gently used furniture for free or low-cost. Social media sites, online groups and other sites often have postings for used furniture.
  • If you already qualify for government benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI, or TANF, you may be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help pay your housing utility bill.

coffee maker

Food & dining

  • Coffee and snacks on the go may seem cheap, but the cost can add up! Invest in a coffee pot and thermos, or buy snacks in bulk from the store instead.
  • Buying groceries and cooking meals can be cheaper and healthier than going out to restaurants.
  • All three UW campuses have a food pantry to help students make ends meet and keep their plates full. Check out your campus’s resources: Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma
  • For UW-Seattle students with a dining plan, make sure the plan is right for you. If you have a lot of extra dining dollars left at the end of the quarter, consider changing your dining plan.

woman riding a bicycle

Transportation

  • Leave your car at home! With the U-PASS, bike and car sharing programs, and a number of cities in close proximity, you could save a lot by not adding car expenses to your budget.
  • With your U-PASS, public transportation is more accessible! Seattle students are automatically enrolled in the U-PASS, but Bothell and Tacoma students may purchase a subsidized U-PASS as well.
  • The One Bus Away app for Puget Sound Metro systems is helpful to find out when the next bus is coming.
  • Biking can be a great, cheap way to get around campus and commute to class if you live close by.
  • Plan your trip by using all forms of public transportation. Metro’s Trip Planner finds the quickest, most convenient route for you.
  • If you must have a car on campus, try saving money by parking in free street parking spots. UW campuses also have a number of options for parking passes depending on your needs: Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma.
  • Car sharing programs, like Zipcar, are good alternatives if you don’t always need a car, but occasionally require one.

Textbooks & school supplies

  • Campus libraries may have a copy of textbooks you need for your classes. Check to see if it’s there, but be warned, someone else may be using it when you need it.
  • Used textbooks from the bookstore or other retailers can help you save a pocketful on textbooks and supplies.
  • Many stores including the UW bookstore offer seasonal student discounts on laptops and other supplies throughout the year. Remember that if you receive financial aid, you may request a revision to use federal student loans to help you purchase a computer.
  • Instead of buying new notebooks for every class, consider getting a reusable binder with loose-leaf, or even better, take notes on your computer.

Entertainment

  • Many places offer student discounts if you have your school ID, including movie theaters, sporting companies and even hair salons.
  • Lots of student clubs and departments on campus free and low-cost events like fitness classes and movie nights!
  • TV streaming services could replace your cable bill. Netflix, HBO, and Hulu, among others, offer popular TV shows at a low cost.
  • Students get a one-year subscription to Amazon Prime when they use their “.edu” email to register. You can save on shipping, plus access free movies, shows and music.