Most college students don’t have much money. It’s hard to save up cash when you’re constantly busy. Costs add up: a pizza here, a night out there–pretty soon your bank account is nonexistent. With just a few simple tips, you can learn to save money and have extra cash to do as you please.

Don’t buy a telephone.

Cell phones. Everyone has one. Why spend the extra for a land line when you have your cell attached to you anyway? MetroPCS is becoming more and more popular since the company offers cheap plans and no contracts. For just $40 a month, you can have unlimited calling and texting. They are even starting to come out with more popular phones now.

Don’t buy cable.

With Netflix and other online movie watching sites, why bother paying for cable? Netflix is easier, cheaper, and even allows you to watch up to two movies at a time. Split the cost and share it with a friend.

Don’t buy tickets to see a movie.

Redbox (Or Netflix) is easy. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like it when people talk in movie theaters, wait a little and Redbox the movie. It’s the reason most movie rental stores have gone out of business. It’s a dollar a night, and you can return it to any Redbox.

Don’t buy everything wholesale.

Learn to shop at thrift stores or sale/clearance items. There is no reason to buy clothes for full price when you can (most of the time) buy the same item of clothing on sale for much cheaper. If you need a reliable pair of shoes or clothes for work, decide whether to splurge or not. Pick a few essential pieces that you must have and buy those at a department store or online.

Don’t buy anything for your dorm room without consulting your roommate(s).

Split the cost of the items. If your school requires you to purchase something each year, like a microwave/fridge combo, get in touch with your roommate and split the overall cost. There is no need to have more than one of anything.

Don’t avoid the dining hall.

If you paid for it, why not enjoy it? Take Tupperware containers and fill them with fruits, cereal, and other foods you like to eat. Then, stash them in your mini fridge for a snack when the dining hall is closed. On that note, avoid eating out. Try to limit dining out in restaurants and fast food places. It is cheaper to make meals at home, and with today’s portions so large, you’ll lose weight with smaller portions anyway.