Forget taking raincheques and pinching pennies. At home, school, or on the go, there are always ways to make and save some easy cash. Scoop up some of these tricks and you’ll be on your way to that summer vacation in no time.
1. Sign up for economics experiments on campus!
Any UVic student can participate in economics experiments that are offered throughout the school year, right here on campus. Participants can earn anywhere from $15 to over $100 per experiment. Check out the registration page for more details: web.uvic.ca/economics-experiments.
2. Always ask about discounts
One of the great perks of being a starving student is all of the student discounts. Many retailers in Victoria offer post-secondary student discounts, and all you have to do is ask and show your student card. Banana Republic offers 15 per cent off to students, and if you feel like some pizza, Domino’s offers a cool 25 per cent off. You can also purchase a Student Price Card (SPC) online for just $9, which allows you to save money at over 100 different places in Victoria, including retail stores and hotels. If you’re more the online shopping type, check out myunidays.com, which offers deals at retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Benefit Cosmetics, Topshop, and even Apple, that are just for students.
3. Get cash from used textbooks
Are first-year textbooks in your room collecting serious dustbunnies? Get creative. Before selling that $150 EPHE textbook back to the campus store for a mere $14 (sigh), research your options. UsedVictoria and Craigslist are great places to start, but your best bet is the UVic Textbook buy/sell/trade Facebook page. Get your ads up early in the semester or a few weeks before classes start to make sure that the books sell. You can also check out Subtext used book shop and more in the Student Union Building, where you set the price and Subtext takes care of the sale. Textbook cash really adds up fast!
4. Clean out your closet
Tired of last year’s wardrobe? Make quick shopping money by selling your old clothes. Make use of Victoria’s Clothing Swap, Shop, and Sell Facebook page, where you can create an album of old clothes for sale. Another fun option is having a clothing exchange party. Invite a bunch of friends over, grab some wine and snacks, and swap old clothes with each other. You’ll have a new summer wardrobe in no time, at zero cost.
5. Eat smart
One of the most expensive aspects of living the student life comes with paying the grocery bill. Save money no matter where you shop. Pepper’s Foods in Cadboro Bay offers a 10 per cent student discount every day. Also, be sure you sign up with Groupon online at groupon.com. You can customize your account to see deals that fit your preferences. Save big on dining out, with weekly deals at restaurants located throughout Victoria.
Good luck, and happy saving!
