Saving Money as a College Student
You don't always need to earn more money to improve your financial situation. You can also reduce expenses by taking advantage of resources, discounts, and smart spending strategies. This module will help students identify discounts, campus resources, and shopping strategies that can save money while supporting academic success and well-being.
Why Saving Money Matters
Saving Money Is More Than Building a Savings Account
Saving Money Can:
Reduce financial stress
Increase financial stability
Help pay for unexpected expenses
Support academic success
Reduce reliance on loans or credit cards
Small Savings Add Up
Examples:
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Bringing lunch from home
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Using student discounts
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Borrowing instead of buying
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Using free campus resources
Student Discounts You May Be Missing
Save on laptop software, accessories, and more.
TECHNOLOGY
DISCOUNTS
Enjoy your favorite shows, music and more for less.
ENTERTAINMENT & STREAMING DISCOUNTS
Saving on clothing, shoes, school supplies, electronics, and more.
RETAIL DISCOUNTS
SMART SHOPPING TIPS
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Sign up for student discount programs.
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Compare prices before purchasing.
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Use cashback programs when appropriate.
Get to where you need to go for less.
TRANSPORTATION
DISCOUNTS
Campus Resources That Can Save You Money
Visit the UTEP Food Pantry to access free food and pantry staples. Pair your pantry visits with the Meals on a Budget Guide to create affordable, nutritious meals, reduce food waste, and make your groceries last longer.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Skip the cost of a gym membership by taking advantage of the UTEP Recreation Center, which is included in your student fees. Schedule your workouts before, after, or between classes to make exercise a consistent part of your week without adding extra travel time or expense.
RECREATION CENTER
Borrow textbooks through the Textbook Reserves program, use quiet study spaces, get research assistance, and borrow technology or access technology support to reduce academic expenses.
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Access Microsoft Office, academic software, cloud storage, laptops, and other technology resources included with your student account before paying for subscriptions or purchasing new devices.
SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY
STUDENT EVENTS & FREE RESOURCES
Find free campus events, attend workshops, and join student organizations to build connections, develop new skills, and take advantage of free activities throughout the year.
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
Save money on parking by purchasing the parking permit that best fits your needs and using UTEP's shuttle services to get around campus. Becoming familiar with the shuttle routes can make parking more convenient and help reduce transportation costs.
The UTEP Student Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, preventive services, and health education to students with and without health insurance. Many services are available at reduced costs, and staff can help you explore affordable healthcare options and connect you with community resources when additional care is needed.
Health & Wellness
DID YOU KNOW?
Many student services are included in your tuition and fees! Take advantage of what UTEP already offers to save money and support your success.
Before You Buy Textbooks
Build this into your routine:
Take the time to explore your options before purchasing.
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If you won't need to keep the book after the semester, consider renting instead of buying.
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Compare prices before making a purchase.
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Look for used textbooks through Facebook Marketplace, Chegg, or ask other students taking similar courses.
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Check the UTEP Library's Textbook Reserves before purchasing.
Borrow Before You Buy
Many technology resources are available through UTEP at no additional cost.
Build this into your routine:
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Visit the library or technology services before the semester starts to learn what equipment is available.
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Borrow laptops, calculators, or other devices instead of purchasing them when possible.
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Check availability early, as supplies may become limited once the semester is underway.
Remember: Saving Money Takes Time
Building financial habits doesn't happen overnight. Spending a little extra time planning, comparing options, and using campus resources may seem inconvenient at first, but these small actions can lead to meaningful savings throughout the year.
Investing 30 minutes today can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the semester.
Make Saving Money Part of Your Routine
Plan Your Commute
Spend time planning your weekly schedule to make time for affordable parking.
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Decide which parking permit best fits your budget. Purchase your permit as early as possible to ensure you secure one before they run out.
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If using a lower-cost parking option, allow extra time to park and ride the shuttle.
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Learn the shuttle routes before classes begin so you know where to park and where to board.
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Build your commute into your daily schedule to reduce stress and avoid rushing to class.
Build this into your routine:
Plan Meals Before Shopping
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Schedule a regular time each week to plan your meals.
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Visit the UTEP Food Pantry before going grocery shopping.
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Use a meal guide and recipes to make the most of pantry items.
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Use AI tools to suggest recipes using the ingredients you already have at home or receive from the food pantry.
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Create your grocery list only after you've checked what you already have.
Build this into your routine:
Meal planning can reduce food waste, limit impulse purchases, and help stretch your budget.
Smart Shopping Strategies
Discounts For College Students
Smart Shopping Hacks
Cashback & Rewards
Reduce Unnecessary Spending
MAKE SAVING MONEY PART OF YOUR ROUTINE
Building money-saving habits takes time and consistency, but small actions lead to big results.
Start Small
Choose one money-saving habit to practice each week.
Schedule Money Time
Set aside 15-30 minutes weekly to review your finances and plan ahead.
Spend Intentionally
Pause and ask yourself if a purchase aligns with your goals.
Build Habits Gradually
It takes time! On average, it takes 66 days to build a new habit.
IT'S WORTH IT
Intentional spending reduces stress and helps your money go further.
FUN FACT
Saving just $10 each week adds up to over $500 in one year.