Simple Tips for Students

 Keep a spending list You may be surprised to find out where your money is going Once you find out where your money is going, consider ways to reduce spending For example, if you take taxis a few times throughout the month, consider purchasing a bus pass Changing small things can add up to substantial savings

 Consider getting a part-time job Most students have enough time to hold down a part-time job ○ Time management a concern? Consider attending the S.T.E.P.S. Session, “Taming the Chaos” ( Job-search musts ○ Start early – Apply for summer jobs at the beginning of the Winter Semester ○ Talk to people – Tell people you are looking for a job and use your connections ○ Be persistent – If you are genuinely interested, show it ○ Be prepared – Cover letters, resumes, and interview skills (Check out www. uwindsor.ca/cce ) Look into the Work Study program ○ Part-time jobs on campus for students demonstrating genuine financial need ( - click on Work Study)

 Consider getting a part-time job cont. Potential on-campus jobs ○ Event security or pub staff ○ Teaching or graduate assistantships ○ Exam proctoring or tutoring ○ Working in a Residence Hall or at the St. Denis Centre Tips to remember: ○ Look for jobs that allow you to study while working, or in the least that are flexible to fit your student schedule ○ Tell your summer employer that you are interested in returning ○ Ask to have your cheque automatically deposited – you’ll be more likely to save this way

 Limit your use of debit & credit cards The benefit to using plastic: IT’S EASY ○ You can make a enormous purchase with your debit or credit card in a matter of seconds The problem: LOSING TRACK of where your money going ○ A few bucks here, a few bucks there – and all of a sudden you’ve gone over your budget The solution: USE CASH ○ To keep daily spending in check, use cash instead of your credit or debit cards ○ It might not be as fast, but it helps you visualize just how much money you’re actually spending

 Be smart when buying textbooks You can’t eliminate this cost, but you can reduce it Are textbook required or suggested? Determine which textbooks you must have Where to find used books? ○ The University Bookstore (labeled with a “used” sticker and stored with the new books) ○ Posted for sale online (i.e. “New At UWindsor” Facebook group) or on bulletin boards around campus ○ The UWSA Used Bookstore ( Talk to your peers who have taken already taken the class, sometimes it is possible to simple borrow the book Check out if your textbooks are on course reserve at Leddy Library (especially helpful for “suggested” textbooks)

 Consider transportation costs The trip home ○ Consider all options: Car, bus, plane, train ○ Can you save by purchasing tickets early? In bulk? ○ Do you have an ISIC Card? Available through the UWSA ( Ask yourself: Do I really need my own vehicle? ○ The costs of having your own car can really build up (E.g. insurance, gas, repairs, regular service costs ○ What other options are available? ○ Consider carpooling regularly and split the gas

 Steer clear of pointless costs Return your library books and movie rentals on time Cancel your old gym membership - The St. Denis Centre is free for all students! Avoid overages on your cell phone – Stay within your minutes/texts or consider changing your plan Watch where you park – Parking fines can add up quickly!

 Take advantage of scholarships/awards/ bursaries Why are they so great? Because they are free money Scholarships are, for the most part, based on your grades – another reason to put in a good effort Bursaries are a gift of money to students who demonstrate genuine need – because not everyone’s an A student Connect with the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office today to get informed about available scholarships, awards, and bursaries ( Also consider… ○ Any affiliations, clubs, and/or teams you are a part of ○ Your parents workplace and professional affiliations ○ Searching awards online (e.g. studentawards.com) Don’t hesitate - apply as early as possible

References  BestSecrets.htm  Baker, M. (1996). The debt-free graduate: How to survive college or university without going broke. Toronto: HarperCollins.