7 Money-Saving Tips for Clothes and Other College Essentials

Getting ready for the new academic year at DBU and taking the next steps to fulfill your calling in Christ is exciting. Saving money on clothes and other college student shopping essentials is always nice – especially if you're on a budget. 

If you're feeling stressed about college student budgeting, remember this scripture promise: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Phillipians 4:19 (ESV)

Whether you're living in university housing or an off-campus apartment or house, starting a list of essentials and adding items as soon as you think of them will help ensure you have everything you need to start your new term. Dallas-Fort Worth has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, varying amounts of precipitation, and relatively mild winters, so create a list of clothing that suits that weather.

Budget Shopping Tips for College Clothes

After you've planned out what you need, following budget shopping tips can help you save big. From bargain hunting to swap meets to leveraging money-saving technology, there are many ways to score fabulous deals and get what you need for less.

Buy from Clothing Brands that Offer Student Discounts

Many of major clothing brands offer student discounts of 10%, 15%, 20%, and more. For many shops, all you need to do is show a valid student ID at checkout to earn the discount.

Retailers like American Eagle, Levi's, Nike, Express, and The North Face are prime examples. Also, if you don't see a posting for student discounts online or in the store, it never hurts to ask. Some stores may not advertise the savings but offer it when asked.

Host or Attend a Clothing Swap Meet

There's nothing better than picking up free clothing. Look for community, church, or neighborhood swap events online, in newspapers, flyers, or bulletin boards.

At a swap meet, you bring some gently used clothing you no longer want or need and trade them for pieces you like. If you can't find one, you can organize a clothing swap yourself.

Trading items is good for your wallet and the environment. Swapping clothing items extends their useful life and is better than sending them to overcrowded landfills.

Shop at Thrift Stores and Use Online Thrift Apps

Some people dub thrift store shopping "treasure hunting," because you can find an armload of cool vintage clothing, coats, shoes, purses, and backpacks for super low prices. Plus, many consignment shops will accept clothing you no longer want and either sell it and give you a commission or give you store credit to buy items. All shops operate differently. So be sure to clarify how selling and purchasing items works.

If you prefer online thrifting, you can shop for savvy student clothes on websites and apps like Poshmark, ThredUp, Vinted, and Depop.

Money-Saving Tips for More College Essentials

If you're moving into a dorm or an apartment, you'll need everyday essentials like XL twin sheets, pillows, a comforter or blanket, a computer, backpack, storage cubbies, a mini fridge, a shower caddy, bathroom rugs, and furniture (when you live off-campus).

Here are some money-saving tips for these kinds of items.

Borrow Items from Family Members and Friends

Does your older sibling have a mini fridge to pass down? Did your grandma make you a quilt? Do your parents have a couch or chair to spare? Ask family, friends, or even church members if they have items you can use at school. Bringing necessities from home will help cut your expenses and declutter your family's basement or garage. It's a win-win!

Shop During Sales and Use Store Rewards and Coupons

Keep an eye out for sales and buy essentials during these discount events to save money. Amazon usually offers discounts on all sorts of items during Prime Day events. Retailers like Kohl's, JCPenney, Walmart, Target, and Staples usually have back-to-school sales events. If you're signed up for emails, text messaging, or use the store app, they often send sales alerts and coupons.

Use Discount Finder and Cash Back Shopping Apps

Discount-finding shopping apps can alert you to coupons, sales, and lower online prices.

For example, Capital One Shopping is a free browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupons to your online shopping cart at a wide variety of stores.

Groupon is a popular discount/coupon/promo code site. You can also earn cash back on purchases at Rakuten.com. When you shop at stores online like Walmart.com and Target.com, you earn cash back on your purchases, and Rakuten pays that cash back to you via a check or PayPal.

Hold Out for Lower Prices

Avoid impulse buying whenever possible. Holding out for a sale can often result in savings and lower prices.

With practice, being a thrifty, savvy shopper can be fun and rewarding. Following these tips will help you save money and ease financial stress as you hit the DBU campus to embark on your Christ-focused educational journey.