The cheap bastard's (realistic) guide to saving money

Sell the junk you don’t use

When moving into residence or your first apartment, you’ll probably come across a lot of junk you don’t use. The best thing to do is sell it on websites like Kijiji. You’d be surprised how fast it sells. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, as they say.

Kijiji and eBay are your new BFFs

Looking for a new camera, phone, laptop, or lamp? Well, Kijiji and eBay are the best places to look before you hit the stores. A lot of people sell their barely used items on Kijiji and eBay for prices that are out of this world. Sure, it’s used, but if it’s not banged up, there’s no problem. Just make sure when you pick the item up you bring a friend.

Turn off your lights

If you’re living off campus and don’t have the luxury of having rent that is all-inclusive, utilities are important. Don’t be silly and leave your bathroom light on all night or keep your coffee maker plugged in 24 hours of the day. Turning off the lights and unplugging items you’re not using will save you money when you get those darn utility bills.

Student discounts

There’s a ton of places around London that have student discounts: spas, restaurants, bookstores and more. On Tuesdays, the Superstore gives students 10 per cent off on their groceries, and the Greyhound station offers student fares as well. It doesn’t hurt to ask if there are student discounts when you’re going shopping. Roots gives students 20 per cent off merchandise; who needs new sweats?

Make a grocery list and stick to it

Always make a grocery list. When you don’t have one, it’s easy to buy things you don’t really need. Stick to the essentials. Lay off the Oreos one week.

Buy frozen

Buying frozen vegetables and fruits is awesome, because it lasts longer, and it’s already cut and ready to cook. The packagers freeze the fruit and vegetables when they’re perfectly ripe. You can have vitamin filled and nutritious fruits and veggies whenever you want. Beats wasting money on food that goes bad within a week.

Restaurant specials

A lot of restaurants in London have great daily specials. If you want to get out of the house with some friends and catch a meal, look online at the different specials restaurants have that day. This can save you lots of money on food and drinks.

Cheap night at the movies

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Why go to the movies any other day when Tuesday is cheap day?

Buy textbooks used or online

Buying textbooks brand new is a thing of the past. Why buy a $200 textbook when you can get it for $50 used or online? We all know you aren’t going to read that book again in the future. Amazon is pretty great for cheap textbooks, and they deliver amazingly fast.

Bars don’t have to break your bank

If you want a cheap night out, there are plenty of bars in London that don’t charge cover or don’t charge cover before 11 p.m. Also, a lot of bars have ladies get in free nights. If you coordinate what bars you go to on their special days, you won’t be burning a hole in your pocket.

The pre-drink

Now, if you’re that person who doesn’t like to spend a dime on drinks when you go out, the predrink is important. The pre-drink isn’t a time to get so wasted you can’t get into the bar, but it’s a time to drink enough to keep you satisfied through the night and only ordering the occasional water.