Surviving College with the Wallet of a College Student

Spend less, live more!

Photo by Campus Visitor Guides

Hi friend :)

Let’s be real—college life is expensive. Between textbooks, iced coffee cravings, spontaneous Cane’s runs, and trying to look cute on a budget… things add up fast. And if you’re anything like me during freshman year, you might’ve looked at your bank account a few weeks in and thought, “Wait… where did my money go??”

The good news? You can still live a full, fun, and exciting college life without constantly stressing over money. It just takes a little creativity, a few smart choices, and a whole lot of grace for yourself in the process. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly hacks that helped me survive (and thrive!) on a college budget:

1. Track Your Spending

I avoided checking my bank account for the first two months of college… big mistake. The moment I started tracking what I spent, I realized where my money was going (spoiler: it was mostly food and impulse Target trips). Use free apps like Mint, Notion templates, or even an Excel Sheet—whatever works for you. Awareness is the first step!

2. Be Smart About Food

You don’t have to give up your favorite treats, but eating out every day adds up. Try this:

• Do groceries once a week with a list (stick to simple meals/snacks!)

• Cook with your roommates or friends—it’s cheaper and more fun

• Save eating out for a treat, not a default

• Keep “emergency” snacks in your backpack so you’re not tempted to buy stuff between classes

3. Take Advantage of Student Discounts and Razorbuck$

SO many places in Fayetteville offer student deals—you just have to ask! Whether it's 10% off your coffee or the ability to swipe your student ID like a debit card, your student status is seriously powerful.

Here are just a few spots to check out:

• Doomsday Coffee & Roasterie – 10% off with your student ID ☕

• Smoothie King – 10% off for students (hello post-gym treat!) 🥤

• Andy’s Frozen Custard – because you deserve dessert 😋

• Razorbuck$ (your student ID can double as a debit card!) can be used at:

  • Boulder Coffee

  • CVS Pharmacy

  • Harps Foods

  • Insomnia Cookies

  • Kum & Go

  • Raising Cane’s

  • Smitty’s Garage

  • Taco Bell

  • Zaxby’s ...at various locations across Fayetteville.

You can load Razorbuck$ to your student ID online or at the Arkansas Union Living Room. It's super convenient for quick snacks, groceries, or a late-night cookie run 🍪

P.S. Hack the Hill will keep you posted on more student deals—because saving money should be easy and delicious.

4. Free Fun is Real Fun!

Some of my favorite college memories didn’t cost a dime—sunset walks through campus, hikes on Mount Kessler, hammocking between and after classes, late-night bike rides with friends, and movie nights in our dorm with popcorn and too many snacks.

Don’t feel like you have to spend money to have a social life. Invite people into chill, low-pressure fun, and you’ll start building friendships that feel real and effortless. Whether it’s a scenic trail, a Target run just for fun, or laughing over a cheesy romcom in someone’s dorm room, these are the moments that make college special.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Some months are harder than others. You might overspend, feel overwhelmed, or feel like everyone else has it more together than you financially. Let me just say this: you are not behind. You’re learning. And you’re doing better than you think. You’re investing in your education, your experiences, and the kind of person you’re becoming. And that, my friend, is pretty priceless.

Sending with love (and an iced coffee in hand),

Hannah;)