Saving money in college can be a challenge — especially if you’re trying to manage spending for the first time. Many students don’t learn the best budgeting habits until late in their college years, and by then, it’s too late to salvage your dwindling savings account. Here are some practical ways to save money as a University of Southern Maine student that can help you spend smarter and make your money last.
1.
Take advantage of student discounts
You can find student discounts on pretty much anything when you’re in college, including many streaming services. From Apple to Amazon, there’s money to be saved. Both of those companies also offer discounts on their products, along with Target. Plus, you can get Youtube Premium at a much lower cost — this is my personal favorite deal. It has literally changed my life. Make sure you’re not spending more than you have to!
2.
Ride the Busky
The USM Husky Line is a free (with USM ID) way to get around if you don’t have a car, or simply want to save gas money. The Busky travels between USM campuses as well as various locations off-campus for easy traveling. The buses also look so snazzy.
3.
Visit the library
The library (either USM libraries or public) is a great resource for almost anything. You can get a public library card for free if you have an address near one — find more detailed information on individual library websites. That will give you access to all of the physical books inside, as well as online through MaineCat, which is a system that Maine libraries use to offer e-books, audiobooks, and more.
If you have a USM ID, you already have access to all USM libraries! You also have access to national databases which are great resources for school assignments.
Study with a view: Glickman Library overlooks the city and Back Cove.
Stretch, strengthen, and move in Sullivan Gym’s multipurpose studio.
4.
Work out at the University gyms
USM has 2 different gyms, the Sullivan Complex in Portland, and the Costello Sports Complex in Gorham. Enrolled students get free access to both, meaning you can save whatever money you might spend on a gym membership somewhere else, by going to a gym right on campus!
Both complexes feature a gym with workout equipment, as well as other services like personal training and workout classes. Sullivan Complex offers programs like free online yoga.
5.
Don’t forget about the campus food pantry
The Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry is a hugely underrated resource for USM students. It’s located on the Portland campus at 102 Bedford Street and offers a huge selection of free food for students. All you need is your current student ID. There’s no limit to how much food you can take (but always good to be respectful), and you can visit as many times as you need. The food pantry also offers various home and personal goods. Updates and hours are shared on their Instagram page.
6.
Check out the Internet Archive
This non-profit library is full of free content, which can help with assignments and school reading. If you take any classes that require you to read older books, this website will most likely have them available to borrow for free. Once you create an account (at no cost), you’ll have access to everything from websites and books to videos and images.
This is especially helpful if you’re majoring in English (or something similar) and constantly need to read books that are hundreds of years old. The archive doesn’t have everything, obviously, but it’s still worth checking out before you spend a bunch of money on books for class!
