Tips for Affording Life's Costs During Graduate School

     Although my blog usually discusses scholarships, how to qualify for them and where to find them, this post will instead be dedicated to living within one's means during graduate school. Unlike my female counterparts, I have never lived my life with the prime goal of acquiring material possessions. For that reason, I feel that I might a bit more equipped to deal with my severe budget change during my 5 years as a doctoral student. For those who were not raised knowing the importance of the dollar, those who have poor money managing skills, or those who simply need help knowing how to shop in an affordable manner, this post is for you.

Tips for Affording Life Costs During Graduate (and/or Undergraduate) School
1. MOST IMPORTANT! Know Your Local Resources -Whether it be a religious affiliation, community outreach service or free government program, there are many resources that are underused because people are not made aware that they qualify for them.  Ex. Food Banks, Healthy SF health Insurance, etc.Don't be afraid to use community resources for those who have a low income. Just because you are a graduate student, doesn't mean you always will know where your next meal is coming from.
2. BWOM (Bring Your Own Meal) - Whenever and wherever possible cook and bring your own meal to school, practicum or meetings. If you have one free day during the week that you can dedicate about an hour and half to packing lunches, you can cook all your meals then grab and go when you need them. This is cost effective and will contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle. This can also apply to purchasing coffee or any other snacks throughout the day.
3. Understand When and When NOT to Splurge - Personally I think this tip is crucial. Reducing impulse buying and buying reduced price will help you buy what you need and save money on buying what you want and do not necessarily need.
4. Know The Cheapest Grocery Outlets and Use Coupons(if possible) - Knowing which stores have sales and when they occur can reduce the amount of money spent on meals and will help you learn the lowest purchase price of must have products such as milk, bread, cheese, meat and vegetables. It also important to know if any of the gracery stores near you have reduced bins. These bins may include dented boxed cereal or bruised fruit and vegetables. I search for these bins in every store and go to these bins first when shopping. For example, in a reduced bin today I bought: 5 zuccini, 2 grapefruit, 3 apples, 3 pears, 3 bell peppers and 2 cans of black beans and only paid 6.95 for all of it.
5. Save, Save, Save - Although this is the hardest tip for me to follow, it's always important to save. Even if its small change or only a couple dollars a week saving ensures that in the face of crisis, someone who is living on loans or pay check to pay check can still make due with what they have.

    Above all, it is very important for doctoral students, and any student for that matter to remember that; while affording luxuries may be off the table, staying healthy through proper nutrition, a balanced diet and an adequate amount of sleep must be a priority. Saving what you can from time to time and knowing the value of a dollar will go a longer way than you may think.

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