Written by MSA Brand Ambassador, Leili
Being a college student sometimes feels like a constant battle between “I need to save money” and “I don’t want to miss out on the college experience”. From textbooks and groceries, to transportation, it can feel like your money is gone before you get a chance to enjoy it.
With the help of these simple swaps, saving money doesn’t mean giving up your favourite food or never leaving the house.
Subscription Streaming Services → Criterion-On-Demand
An $8 subscription fee to platforms like Netflix can add up quickly. As a Mohawk College student, you get full access to Criterion-On-Demand for free, an online video streaming service with 24/7 access to movies, shows, and documentaries.
To access Criterion:
- Visit library.mohawkcollege.ca
- Scroll down to A-Z Database
- Toggle C and look for “Criterion-On-Demand.”
Think about it. If a school year is 8 months, you’re saving $64.00 just by making this one simple swap. You don’t need to give up entertainment to save money!
Full price → Student discounts
Next time you go shopping, be sure to ask the cashier at the checkout if they offer student discounts. Big franchises aren’t the only businesses that offer student discounts – there are smaller restaurants and family-owned businesses that do as well. You’d be surprised at how many stores offer them, but don’t publicly advertise them. Here are some fewer known discounts that can make a huge difference in your wallet.
Rexall
- 25% off regularly priced Rexall corporate brands. Through the MSA Health & Dental Plan you can also save on prescriptions.
Shoppers Drug Mart
- 20% student discount on Thursdays.
Amazon Prime
- Free 6-month trial.
DoorDash
- Free Student Dashpass for 12 months.
Talize
- 10% everyday student discount.
Fortinos
- 10% off non-sale products every Tuesday for students.
Food Basics
- 10% student discount every Tuesday .
Take out → Home cooked meals
This may seem obvious, but takeout is one of the most common ways students spend their money. If you have class all day, it’s easy to grab a quick breakfast and lunch while you’re out, but it can add up pretty quickly. Look for simple yet quick and easy meal prep recipes. This doesn’t mean you can’t have occasional coffee or go out to eat with your friends. If you use the 80/20 rule where 80% of meals are home cooked, and the other 20% are takeout. This allows you to track your spendings while still enjoying the foods you love.
Using the Flipp app helps to be mindful of what grocery stores have the lowest prices and the highest savings, some grocery stores near all campuses have good deals so make sure you pay attention for deal opportunities. Some stores require a coin to unlock the carts; the MSA has coin keychains to unlock the carts for free. Simply inquire at the at the MSA!
But at the end of the day, saving money as a college student is all about making your money last without missing out on the things you love. Whether it’s utilizing student discounts, canceling underutilized services you are paying for, or even meal prepping, every dollar adds up. You don’t have to change every spending habit you have to see a difference in your pockets. You can start with one or two of these simple swaps, and before you know it, you’ll have more money for experiences, trips and things to make your college years unforgettable!
