#amazebowls

Save That Money - Amanda Cawley

Hey frugal friends, let’s talk about stretching the college dollar! You’ve heard the fabled stories about eating exclusively microwave ramen, I know I did, but I can assure you there are other ways to tackle living on your own at college that aren’t so extreme. Here are a few of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up throughout the last two years that have helped me spend and save responsibly.

1. Fryft! 

The Campus Cruiser / Free Lyft program, affectionately dubbed “Fryft” by USC students, is an awesome tool that allows students to get free rides around the USC area from 7pm-2am. You can safely get yourself from point A to B without worrying about the cost! Be sure to utilize it, and check out the USC Transportation Services website for specifics!

2. Shop smart. 

We are lucky enough to have both Trader Joe’s and Target right next to each other at the USC village. By paying attention to prices, you can save on the items sold at both retailers! For example, eggs are cheaper at Trader Joe’s, but Target has less expensive turkey!

3. Take advantage of all the FREE PROGRAMS. 

As long as you live in USC housing, you will have a dedicated residential education team who plans and programs all sorts of free events for students to enjoy! For example, last week I went to the entirely free “Vacay at the Village” event. Personally, I enjoyed an acai bowl from Amazebowls and a Greenleaf salad while learning about essential oils and getting my own sample of lavender bath salts and thieves oil. Other activities included were manicures, stress ball making, puppy petting, and so forth!

4. Use the USC buses! 

I recently went to visit a friend at another college, and used the USC buses to get to and from Union Station where my train departed! The buses are free, reliable and full of friendly Trojan faces! There are a variety of routes, including between UPC and the Health Sciences Campus! Super handy if you are researching at Keck!

5. Get funded! 

Afternoon delight.