As a college student, you're most likely running a little low on money. There are so many great ways to save (and even make!) money! Here are a few of the best ways to save that $$$!

Use Apps!

Let’s be honest, do you really ever go anywhere without your phone? If you’ve already always got it on you, you might as well use it to save some money! There are tons of apps that can help you save money on things like eating out or buying groceries. Lots of grocery stores have apps where they highlight their sales and specials and some even post coupons that can be redeemed in the store. Another great app is called Ibotta. After signing up, you just scan your receipt and it will give you cashback for the things that you already needed to buy. While you won’t get rich quick with this method, every little bit helps and it will definitely add up.

Take advantage of coupons and deals

If you really want to eat out, treat yourself to a new stylin’ ‘do, or buy yourself that new shirt…make sure you’re using your JSM VIP card! The JSM VIP card offers great discounts at tons of different restaurants and retailers around Campustown. If you’ve just got to have Noodles and Company, you may as well get a free drink out of it! Be on the lookout for emails from JSM about specific VIP days where the deals are even better! Check out all the great deals (worth over $200 in savings!) HERE.

Sell Your Stuff

Got a bunch of video games you no longer play? Have so much clothes you’re practically drowning in it? Try selling some of the things that you no longer need. There are Facebook groups where you can post things that you are selling and sell them to other college students. For things like video games, there are multiple stores that will buy used games from you for cash or for store credit. You can take gently used clothes to consignment stores or sell them on apps like Poshmark or Mercari. There are tons of ways to get money for the things you just have sitting around your apartment.

Participate in Research Opportunities

This is another one that probably won’t make you rich, but being on a college campus opens lots of doors to being involved in research. A lot of the studies going on here on campus will let you pick if you would like to get extra credit or a monetary reward. Some studies only give $5 to $10 gift cards, but some of the larger studies give even more. And hey, if you can get a gift card that leads to free Chipotle, isn’t that what really matters?

Take advantage of the included amenities

As a college student there are a lot of great amenities that you have access to that you may not be using. For example, if you lease with JSM, you get access to state of the art Fitness Center for no extra cost! After college, you’ll likely have to pay top dollar to use a workout facility, so take advantage of the fact that there is no extra fees now! The University of Illinois also has a great Career Center on campus. They will do mock interviews with you and help you go over your resume so that you’re prepared for job fairs, internships, or interviews. Make sure that you look into the things that you have access to for free and take advantage of them while you can.