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broke college student’s survival kit: 15 things that save me $$$ and time!
15
items As a musical theatre major, my money goes straight to headshots and dance shoes 💸. So, I've had to become a master of the college budget! This is my ultimate list of 15 things that save me serious cash and precious time—from the budgeting app that c...
Sections
3
the financial hacks (saving money!)
time-saving & study gear (efficiency)
look cute on a budget (beauty & style)
the financial hacks (saving money!)
Stop paying full price! Link to the site or app that verifies your student status and unlocks discounts for hundreds of brands (clothing, tech, travel, and food). Just a few minutes of searching can save you hundreds over a semester.
UNiDAYS
The smart way to build credit without racking up debt. This card offers cash back on essentials like groceries and gas, basically paying you back for things you have to buy anyway. Only use for things you can pay off immediately!
College Student Credit Cards - No Credit Needed
Never buy a new textbook again! Use this service to rent books for the semester or quickly compare prices across all major rental and buying sites. Saves you an enormous amount of money and the time you'd spend price hunting.
Chegg
Since buying this, I've entirely cut out my daily $5 coffee shop run. That's a minimum of $150 back in my budget every month! That's new dance shoes! It takes up minimal space in the dorm kitchen and ensures you're always caffeinated, efficient, and ...
Single Serve Coffee Makers & K-Cup Pods | Keurig®
This is the only reason I stay on budget. YNAB teaches you to be proactive with your money. It’s a huge time-saver because I only check my budget once a week, not panicking every day!
YNAB
time-saving & study gear (efficiency)
A college student's best friend. Whether you're in a loud dorm, a crowded library, or studying backstage, these block out distractions so you can learn faster and focus deeper. Essential for deep work and studying for finals.
True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Canceling - Skullcandy
Saves money on notebooks and highlighters, and saves time by letting you search your handwritten notes instantly. Perfect for annotating lecture slides on an iPad or tablet. Less paper clutter = more time for yourself.
Neo Smartpen: Best Digital Pen for Digital Notetaking | Smartpens and ...
This is a game-changer for organizing a chaotic college life. I use Notion templates to manage my class schedule, rehearsal notes, and communications projects. It’s free for students and saves hours of organizational effort.
Notion
Stop hunting for outlets and crawling under the desk. This one hub charges my phone, tablet, and earbuds all in one place, keeping my desk tidy and all my devices ready for class. Ultimate efficiency for your study space.
Amazon Best Sellers: Best USB Hubs
As a commuter and an arts student, I need my bag to hold my script and my laptop. This bag protects your expensive tech and has dedicated pockets, so you don't waste time digging for your keys or wallet.
Best Buy
look cute on a budget (beauty & style)
Minimal effort, maximum impact. Perfect for class or a quick change before a rehearsal. It gives a polished look that lasts all day (and through a coffee spill) without needing constant reapplication.
Glossy Lip Stain
Finally, a piece of jewelry that can keep up with a college schedule. This water-resistant, hypoallergenic cuff is the ultimate everyday bracelet. I wear mine through intense rehearsals, the gym, and even the occasional late-night shower—and it never...
Flaire & Co. | Truly Affordable, Hypoallergenic Jewelry Under $30.
A lifesaver for saving time and money on dry cleaning. One spray and a quick hang-up, and your presentation or audition outfit looks instantly pressed. No iron needed—perfect for dorm rooms.
Walmart Supercenter
The single most efficient piece of clothing in my closet. It works for a communications presentation, a theater gala, or a night out. Saves you money on buying multiple outfits and saves time on deciding what to wear.
Women's Black Dresses - Little Black Dresses - Express
Save your splurge money for essentials. This is my absolute favorite budget-friendly cleanser that gives my skin that glowy, expensive look without the $50 price tag. Great skin is always in.
Essentials Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser