A new semester in your college or university life is definitely a fresh start, which means that it’s a perfect time for you to put your focus on changing things up. Will you be more academically inclined, or spend more time with your friends? Will you be more spendthrift, or have a decent and reasonable budget? These are the questions you should really be thinking during your upcoming semester.

Today, we’re going to explore a few easy ways you can stretch your ringgit so that you can save more every day. From food to transportation to activities, there are plenty of ways in which you can save money. Ways like...

Dining

1. Dine in

Eating out, no matter how much you try to keep the cost down, is always going to be more expensive than cooking at home. With the service fees and taxes, you’ll be paying a significantly higher price for essentially the same food. Out for the “social” side of eating with your friends? Why not have a potluck? It’s going to be way more budget friendly for you and your friends.

Don’t know how to cook? Well, there are plenty of Youtube videos which can essentially turn you into a Masterchef!

2. Make your own coffee

Sure, we know that walking into your nearest Starbucks or cafe can have a very enticing effect (coffee smells delicious!), you can essentially create the same aroma in the comfort of your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost. So, save up on the expensive brews from your coffee joints and brew up something of your own. Who knows? You may just come up with a new favorite blend that’s easy on your pocket.

3. Purchase in bulk

Yes, we know that not everything is more worth it when you purchase in bulk. But for things that won’t go rotten or spoil easily, like toilet papers, you can opt to buy in bulk and share with your other roommates or friends. In the long run, you’ll still have your necessities without necessarily breaking the bank.

4. Skip the late night mamak sessions

Okay, we know this can get quite divisive but minimizing on your mamak nights out can really help you keep your budget tight. We know that students keep crazy hours because of their schedules (and assignments) but it can become quite expensive if you get into the routine of eating a 4th meal during late nights. If you know you’re going to be hungry at the eleventh hour, just pack your fridge with some light snacks. It’s a healthier alternative for you and your wallet.

Entertainment

5. Get free tickets by becoming an event promoter

Concert tickets in Malaysia are quite expensive, but when your favorite band or singer is here to perform, you don’t want to miss out! This is a little thought of a solution to your problems. You can contact any of the event companies that are hosting the concert and request to be an event promoter. If you’re lucky, you can get a job and attend the concert for free. Sure, it’s not the most ideal way of attending a concert, but you’ll still get to enjoy yourself.

Living

6. Get a house/roommate

Studies show that those who live with roommates and share the bills, as a result, are better off financially. That means that, when looking for living accommodations, consider sharing the place with a friend so that both of you can share in the bills and responsibilities of having your own place. Remember, you’ll have the rest of your life to live alone, so why not live with someone for the time being?

7. Turn off all electrical items when not in use

People can be so careless about their electricity but, when you’re the one paying for it; it’s just money down the drain. We know that Malaysia is a hot country, but it’s really unnecessary to keep your aircond on all the time. Consider when to utilize turning on your aircond and you’ll be able to save a lot of money in electricity each month. When you leave a room, turn off the lights – it’s that simple. Also, another thing to note is that you don’t actually need to keep your aircond running at full blast all the time.

Managing Your Money

8. Pay your bills early to avoid late fees

Whenever possible, try to make sure that you pay all your bills earlier. That way, you won’t have to pay any late fees, which is essentially just an unnecessary charge. A good way to do this is by giving yourself a due date each month for paying the bills. That way, you won’t ever forget to do it.

9. Use your bank’s own ATM machines

When you’re in need of cash and need to withdraw your money from the ATM machine, don’t just stop by any ATM. Try to find your bank’s own ATM machines. “But it’s just RM1!” you say. Consider the fact that RM1 can add up to a sizable value over time. So do yourself a favour and try to save that additional service fee.

Shopping

10. Utilize the rewards programs

There are plenty of shops offering rewards points, coupons or membership bonuses when you shop with them. Try to take advantage of all these reward programs and you’ll see your savings pile up after time. Also, pro tip. You should also check out what a lot of e-wallets in Malaysia are offering, like TnG, Boost and Grab. These sweet deals may just make your wallet feel so much lighter.

11. Buy or rent used textbooks

Nowadays, it’s just funny when you have to pay for your textbooks, especially when you have so many resources at your fingertips to be able to research places offering cheaper alternatives. If possible, look online to buy or rent used textbooks at the best price. If you buy, don’t forget to sell them back when you’re finished at the end of the semester!

12. Utilize student discounts

As a student, you’ll be able to enjoy a plethora of discounts in places like cinemas, retail stores, restaurants and computer/electronic companies. These places offer students great discounts on goods and services. So don’t be afraid to ask wherever you are if they have any student discounts available!

Transportation

13. Try to carpool when possible

Going to and from college can get quite expensive due to the tolls, parking fees and the petrol that you have to pay. Why not carpool with a group of friends to college? You’ll all be sharing the costs, and it will make a huge difference in the long term. Plus, it’ll be pretty good for the environment too!

14. Use public transport

Malaysia has a wide array of public transportation at your disposal. Whether it’s via the integrated train lines and feeder buses, it’ll help you save your money (and energy) from driving to college every day. If you stay nearby to your college, maybe you can consider biking or even walking if possible. It’s not only better for your budget (because it’s free) but better for your body as well.

So what do you think of our money saving tips for students like yourselves?

QUICK FACTS OF TOC AUTOMOTIVE COLLEGE

TOC offers various programmes and courses such as the Diploma in Automotive Technology, Diploma in Motorsport Technology, Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia, Superbike Technician Course, Master Technician Course, Automotive Customer Service, Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 2 & 3 and other automotive short courses. There will be a new intake —check it out here!

We are one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality! Our diploma and certificate programme is structured to fit the needs of the industry by providing hands-on experience and solid theoretical knowledge.

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out!

14 Easy Ways to Save Money This College Semester