College is hard enough — with classes, sports and organizations, it’s hard to keep on track of everything. Throw being broke on top of that, and you’ll get some serious Debbie Downer outlooks on how stressful college really is. Here are a few (hopefully) helpful rules to follow if you’re someone who struggles with saving money in college: Graphic by Katie Anderson

1. Make a budget and stick to it

Do a little math and figure out how much you can spend each week/month at the beginning of each time period. Giving yourself an allowance will help keep you from spending more money than you have, or running out of cash early. Try not to budge on the amounts you have set, or the concept won’t work in the first place.

2. Plan ahead

When you’re calculating out how much money you can spend, make sure to factor in future events (or the possibility of a future event). If you and your friends have talked about seeing a movie one weekend, leave enough money out for a ticket and concessions. So you may have to settle for the off-brand version of your favorite deodorant, but this way you can have fun with your friends and not stink up the theater.

3. Don’t buy fast food

I know. You hate me. Don’t get me wrong, I love McDonald’s and Taco Bell as much as the next college kid, but DON’T DO IT! All health factors aside, the amount of money it costs to eat out all the time is ridiculous. Take advantage of the meal plan, and use up all your meals. If you don’t like what the cafeteria has on the menu one day, that’s when groceries come into play. Swing by the Santa Fe Market and challenge yourself into cooking something you wouldn’t ordinarily get in the cafeteria. Bonus: make enough to have leftovers. Paying $8 for a meal (and another couple dollars worth of gas money to drive to Lawrence) is the quickest way to empty your wallet.

4. Be smart at the store

I’m a firm believer in “if it’s more than $5, it’s too expensive.” So, unless I absolutely NEED something, then I don’t buy it unless it’s on sale, or cheap to begin with. Not necessarily the necessities (water bottles, milk, etc.), but other items such as clothes, makeup, snacks … basically everything else. Stores usually have a copy on their weekly ads online, so before you go, look through the ads and see what you can save money on. Also, keep in mind there’s nothing wrong with off-brand items. Trash bags will always be trash bags, no matter what company makes them.

5. Smart Online Shopping

Online shopping is the culprit behind a lot of girls' money problems, mostly because it’s easy to do and the options are limitless. However, for the sake of your checking account, try not to shop online. It’s easy to get sucked into the “free shipping if you spend $$<strong>$$</strong> amount of money!”, or the “sign up now and save 15 percent” gimmicks. Just be smart if you’re going to online shop, and be cautious of how much money you’re actually spending. amount of money!”, or the “sign up now and save 15 percent” gimmicks. Just be smart if you’re going to online shop, and be cautious of how much money you’re actually spending. $$ amount of money!”, or the “sign up now and save 15 percent” gimmicks. Just be smart if you’re going to online shop, and be cautious of how much money you’re actually spending.

6. Scholarship Newsletters

This point is more focused on the aspect of earning money, rather than saving it, but who cares?

Every so often it’s important to check your Baker email. Jeanette Dick sends out emails with all sorts of scholarship information, and pretty much all you have to do is read through it and find any you’d like to apply for. That’s just about as easy as it gets: Read an email, write an essay and get free money. Simple.

7. Bang for your buck

Baker is expensive, yes. But while you’re here take advantage of all the things the campus has to offer. Use the tutoring center and the counseling and nurse’s offices. Attend sporting events, and SAC events. Join a sorority or fraternity (they’re cheaper than the dorms) and go work out in the gym. Talk to your professors, and take advantage of the small-school atmosphere. Yes, college is expensive, but if you take advantage of everything there is to offer you’re getting your money’s worth.

8. Be smart at the Kwik

The infamous Kwik Shop. Being the only place open 24 hours in Baldwin, it’s easy to spend your money here. While the convenience is ideal, sometimes the prices are not. Reuse your cups for fountain drinks and take advantage of the Dillon’s card to earn points. Also, try to avoid buying items you could get cheaper at the Baldwin City Market or Wal-Mart.

9. Save up in the summer

This point is pretty much self-explanatory. If you have a summer job, save up your money to use it as spending cash throughout the year. By the time February rolls around, you’ll be happy to have some extra money.

10. The $5 Rule

I once read somewhere about a $5 rule. This works great if you’re in a relationship and want to save up for an anniversary, or are saving up for any occasion in general. No matter what, every $5 bill that comes into your possession gets put away. For a year (or however long you dictate) save every $5 bill you get, and when the time’s up you’ll have a nice amount of cash to spend on yourself, your significant other, your dog, or anything you’d like. If you have trouble saving money, this may be a good tool for you to use. Find yourself a box, close it up and don’t open it until the time’s up. You’ll thank yourself later when you have more cash than you know what to do with.