If you’re a student on a budget, living a luxury lifestyle might just seem like a far-fetched dream. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to enjoy the finer things in life whilst sticking to your student-friendly budget. Read on to uncover our comprehensive guide to a luxury student lifestyle.

1.   Smart budgeting and financial planning

1. Draw up an in-depth budget. Document all the income sources you have, including allowances, part-time jobs, scholarships, etc., as well as list all your expenses, such as tuition expenses, rent, groceries, transportation, entertainment, and so on. If you’re hiring professionals to help you avoid the different types of plagiarism, don’t forget to add those expenses to your budget. You can also utilize Mint and YNAB (formerly You Need a Budget) – apps for budget management.
2. Spend with priority. Identify spending on items with greater needs (except for needs of health, family, studies and food, as these are indispensable resources). Always allocate funds for actual expenses, and fund your wishlist last.
3. Start an emergency fund. Sock away a small amount of income each month so that, should surprise bills arise, you have cash on hand.
   
   

2.   Leveraging student discounts and offers

1. Make the most out of student discounts. Different outlets, restaurants, and service providers offer discounts to students. Always, remember to carry your school ID with you so you’re in the best position to get such discounts anywhere you go. Moreover, some discounts can be found online and in-store on websites such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans which list hundreds of student discounts.
2. Get free or heavily discounted software. Download free or heavily discounted software and/or subscriptions through your college or student programs. This includes programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and much more.
   
   

3.   Smart shopping strategies

1. Buy during sales. Shop around big sale days such as Black Friday/Cyber Monday, but also wait for the end of seasons (winter jackets in the spring, and so on). Also, shop/search online using apps and extensions such as the browser web extensions Honey or Rakuten, which can find you the best prices as well as give you cashback.
2. Thrift shops and consignment stores. Look to thrift stores and consignment shops, or buy pre-worn fashion online through marketplaces such as Poshmark or Depop.
3. Stock up. Buy non-perishable foodstuffs and household basics in bulk and get a wholesale discount.
   
   

4.   Luxurious living space on a budget

1. Inexpensive decoration. Go to IKEA, Target, or Amazon to get great-looking and inexpensive decorations for your home. DIY decorations add a personal touch and you can save money as well.
2. Live with roommates to split housing costs. This means that you might want to share an apartment or home with roommates with a split housing cost and utility bills. You can also search for housing options that will have a gym, pool, lounge, and study area in the rent destination.
   
   

5.   Food and dining

1. Cook at home. The first thing you can do is to cook more at home. This is not only healthier but cheaper. If you want to get creative, you can learn to cook a step up from super cheap home meals by watching YouTube and recipe blogs about cooking gourmet meals with affordable ingredients.
2. Meal planning and prep. Plan your meals for the week and prep a bunch of food ahead of time. That way, you won’t have to scramble to cook dinner every night or buy extra groceries. Plus, it reduces food waste.
3. Dining deals. Use restaurant-focused daily deal aggregators such as Groupon (groupon.com) or LivingSocial (livingsocial.com) to scope out awesome restaurant deals and discounts to create a budget-friendly eating plan. Take advantage of student meal plans that include discounts at campus food facilities.
   
   

6.   Travel and entertainment

1. Think smarter. Get the best flight, bus or train deals by searching for a student discount. Take advantage of budget airlines and mix and match your travel dates to get better rates.
2. Free and cheap stuff to do. Look out for free and cheap events and things to do in your area, such as museum days, festivals, and community events. Make use of student-priced tickets to films, gigs, and sports.
3. Streaming services. Split your Netflix, Spotify, or Hulu subscription with friends or roommates in order to save some money.
   
   

7.   Personal development and networking

1. Upgrade your skills: Look for free or low-cost workshops, seminars, and online courses. Scour your college’s career center, library, and counseling center for resources and support.
2. Cultivate a network. Join clubs, organizations, and online communities that align with your interests and career goals. Networking can lead to opportunities and experiences that contribute to a life of luxury.
   
   

8.   Health and wellness

1. Work out for free. Use on-campus gym facilities and free fitness classes, or try outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or biking – inexpensive and fun!
2. Cheap self-care. Do-it-yourself facials, manicures, or other relaxation rituals can help you treat yourself at home like you’re at a posh spa. Student health services are free or cheap for medical care and mental health promotion and support.
   
   

9.   Stylish on a budget

1. Capsule wardrobe. Make sure your wardrobe consists of staple clothing pieces that you can combine. Invest in good quality clothes that last you long and that stay relevant.
2. Make accessories your allies. Scarves, jewelry, and bags can often be the finishing touch to turn a normal outfit into one you would wear to stroll down the catwalk.
   
   

Enjoy a luxury lifestyle even on a college budget

Here is the thing: provided you budget and save accordingly, and keep an eye out for bargains and luxe discounts, you can experience luxury life on a budget. College shouldn’t make you feel like you have to decrease the quality of your experiences. Life is short, and living luxuriously helps you to make the most of it. So save your dollar bills and invest in your happiness. Note that luxury is more than just money. It’s just about spending money smarter.