By: Aravind Chintalapudi, Masters student Computer Science
Hey there! I’m Aravind Chintalapudi, but you can call me Nemo. I’m currently navigating the thrilling yet sometimes treacherous waters of grad school, majoring in Computer Science at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I’m also your friendly neighborhood Graduate Emissary and the Secretary of the Graduate and Professional Student Government. Got questions or need a good laugh? Reach out at arachin@iu.edu or slide into my DMs at @nemo_over_and_beyond, where I’m always posting about campus events. Don’t forget to follow The Graduate School on Instagram for more updates!
Now, let’s dive into the treasure trove of tips for saving money while you’re busy earning that shiny degree!
- Paws Pantry: Your New Best Friend
First off, let’s talk about Paws Pantry. If you haven’t been yet, are you even a grad student? This magical place offers free food for students to take home. We’re talking essentials like milk, eggs, and even avocados! But let’s be real—the star of the show here is canned tuna. Delicious, nutritious, and, best of all, free! It’s practically a gourmet meal in a can. Who needs fancy sushi when you can whip up a tuna salad masterpiece? “A penny saved is a penny earned,” right? So, go grab some goodies and maybe a few extra cans to stash away for those late-night study sessions. Your future self will thank you!
- No Car? No Problem!
If you’re car-less like me, fear not! Living in a city can sometimes feel like an obstacle course, but coupons like Sober Indiana or Feed Indy can be lifesavers. Need a Costco trip? Get a buddy or an organization like Global Indy Navigators or Bridges International to help with rides. Trust me, those trips can turn into mini-adventures! Just make sure you have a plan for those bulk-sized purchases. “Why buy in bulk?” you might ask. Well, let’s just say that having a giant tub of peanut butter in your kitchen will make you feel like a real adult, even if you’re still figuring out how to do laundry.
- Scholarships and Grants Galore!
Did you know you could get paid to be a student? Okay, maybe not paid in cash, but scholarships and grants are a close second. Don’t let the application process intimidate you. Visit the University Writing Center and our #GradJags Writer’s Workshop for some top-notch help on your statement of purpose. “Why write alone when you can write with style?” Plus, you might just impress someone enough to earn yourself a scholarship. Think of it as a chance to flex those writing muscles while potentially raking in some cash.
- Meal Prep Like a Boss
Let’s face it, cooking can be a chore, but meal prepping will save your wallet and your sanity. Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking up some big batches of your favorite meals, and voilà! You’re a culinary genius. If you’re on campus, you’ll find food at most events, so plan your schedule around them! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve scored free pizza from random seminars. It’s practically a rite of passage for grad students. Just don’t forget to bring your own containers for leftovers—nobody wants to be “that person” who shows up empty-handed.
- Tower Dining: Your Food Oasis
If you’re lucky enough to get into Tower Dining, here’s a pro tip: you can exit whenever you want! Pay in the morning, hang out, charge your laptop, and enjoy some food on the side. It’s like a buffet and a study hall rolled into one. Just be careful not to overindulge; those endless pasta options can be tempting! Procrastinating on that paper? No worries, just tell yourself you’re doing “research” while you munch on fries.
- Get Paid to Be Involved
Join organizations like the Graduate and Professional Student Government or the Student Activities and Programming Board. These positions not only look great on your resume but can also pay you to be involved. It’s like getting paid for your social life! Bonus points if you make some friends along the way. Just be sure to keep track of your commitments. Nobody wants to be that person who forgot they were supposed to run a meeting and show up unprepared.
- Thrift Like a Pro
Why buy new when you can thrift? Stores like TJ Maxx, Burlington, and ROSS are like treasure chests for branded clothes at unbeatable prices. Seriously, it’s like a game of “find the best deal.” You never know what gems you’ll discover! Plus, nothing says “I’m a savvy grad student” quite like rocking a stylish outfit for a fraction of the retail price. And if anyone asks where you got that cool jacket, you can smugly reply, “Oh, just a little place called ROSS.”
- Bank Bonuses Are Your Friend
Banks often offer bonuses for opening accounts. Regions Bank, for example, gives you a $300 bonus if you link your direct deposit. Chase, Huntington, and Fifth Third have similar offers. It’s like finding money in your couch cushions, but classier! Just make sure to read the fine print, because nobody wants to end up in a fee trap. And don’t forget to set up automatic savings transfers—it’s like paying yourself first!
- Build Your Credit Early
If you haven’t applied for a credit card yet, what are you waiting for? Building credit is like planting money trees. Cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited offer bonuses too. “Cashback? Yes, please!” Just remember to use your card responsibly. Treat it like your new pet: feed it regularly (pay it off), and take it for walks (use it wisely) to keep it healthy!
- Public Transport to the Rescue
If you need to go somewhere but don’t have a car, the IndyGo bus is your best bet. With student passes at half the normal cost, it’s a steal! Think of it as your personal chauffeur service, but much more affordable. Plus, you’ll get to meet all sorts of interesting people. Just don’t forget your earbuds; sometimes, you just need to zone out and pretend you’re in your own personal movie.
- Free Museums? Yes, Please!
Why waste money on museum admissions when Newfields offers free entry for IU Indy students? And don’t forget the discounted rates for places like the zoo. Keep an eye on The Graduate School’s Instagram for more deals. “Why pay full price when you can flaunt your student status?” Plus, free museum visits make for excellent study breaks. Who knew art could be so educational?
- Discounts on Laptops
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, check out the exclusive discounts from companies like Dell, Microsoft, and Apple, thanks to our school. It’s like a techie’s dream come true! You can get a laptop that makes you feel like a coding wizard without emptying your wallet. Don’t forget to check the university website for more details!
- Affordable Apartment Hunting
When searching for an apartment, think affordability. My personal favorites include The Ralston Apartments, Lockfield Apartments, and Riverview Apartments. Remember, finding a good place is like finding a unicorn—rare but magical! Pro tip: don’t settle for the first place you see. Apartment hunting is like dating; sometimes, you have to kiss a few frogs before finding your prince.
- Flight Deals at Your Fingertips
Planning a trip home? Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to hunt down cheap flight deals. You’ll be surprised at how low those prices can get. Plus, if you book at the right time, you might find that ticket to paradise for half the price. Just remember to pack lightly—nobody wants to lug around a suitcase full of books!
- Financial Guidance
Lastly, if you’re feeling lost in the world of finances, don’t hesitate to contact the MoneySmarts team at IU Indy. They’ll help you build financial confidence and independence faster than you can say “budgeting!” Because let’s face it, no one wants to be drowning in debt while trying to juggle classes and projects.
So there you have it! Saving money as a grad student doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tips, you can navigate the world of finances with a little more ease and a lot more humor. Now go forth and conquer grad school without breaking the bank! Remember, it’s all about making the most of your resources while keeping your sense of humor intact. Happy saving, my fellow scholars!