Food & DRINK
Learn how to cook your own meals, it’s healthier and you’ll save money.
Don’t get a meal plan, the cafeteria food isn’t usually that great anyways.
Bring your own snacks/water to class instead of buying them on campus. Stay away from vending machines.
Bring your own lunch to school. If you do it right, you can usually make it a healthier lunch than what is offered in the cafeteria.
If you have a meal plan, actually use it.
Eat Ramen Noodles.
Don’t get soda when you go out to eat.
Don’t go to Starbucks.
Buy food in bulk. Get a Costco card with your roommates and get bulk discounts.
Find events on campus that offer free food for attending. Follow those «Free Pizza» signs!
Household EXPENSES
Have a roommate (so you can split expenses).
Shop at Walmart, Dollar Stores, and thift stores.
Shop at garage sales on the weekends for any household items you may need.
Put on more layers of clothing instead of turning up the heat.
Buy generic brand items.
Textbooks
buy used textbooks.
Buy textbooks online. Maybe even consider buying the e-book version of the textbook.
Check the library for your required books, you may get lucky!
Sell back your textbooks.
Transportation
use public transportation. Being a college student, you can usually ride for free or at a reduced rate.
Don’t get a car. They are a huge expense and cost a lot in insurance and gas.
Ride your bike. Except for commuter students, no one needs a car on campus for daily use.
Live close to campus and use the campus shuttles to save on gas.
Entertainment
instead of hitting the clubs, try and find house parties.
Keep an eye out for free activities on campus. Most college campuses have free entertainment almost every night. For example: some colleges have a weekly movie night that is free to all students.
Borrow movies from the library. The library has a large collection of movies for students to check out.
COLLEGE EXPENSES
Fill out the FAFSA every year.
Take a look at your college bill. Certain fees are optional. If you won’t be using your college’s fitness center, remove the fee.
Depending on dorm prices, it may be cheaper just to get an apartment. (See: Most Expensive College Dorms)
Don’t buy anything from the school’s bookstore. Some of the prices they charge are outrageous.
Go to a community college and get your core classes completed, then transfer to a 4-year college for required classes for your degree. Make sure all your credits will transfer.
Do not use student loans for anything that is not school related. It’s tempting to rack up your credit and loans, knowing you’ll eventually pay it back. However, you have no idea how the economy will look when you graduate and you don’t want to be in massive debt while job searching.
Test out of classes. For a small fee you can usually take a test to fulfill certain class requirements. Think of the cost you’ll save on tuition.
Finish in three years if you can.
Apply for financial aid early.
Get good grades so you qualify for certain (typically merit-based) grants and scholarships.
Work as a Resident Advisor and get free room and board.
Take as many credits as allowed every term.
Research your school for scholarships. That means taking a look at the website, contacting the admissions office, scholarship office, and faculty to see whats available. Use every resource you have to get the big scholarships while keeping your eyes open for smaller, but still substantial ones. Look for scholarships in the area of your major. Most professional organizations will have scholarships to encourage students to stay in that field.
Take advantage of student services. There are plenty of free programs that assist you while going to school. From health care to transportation, there are many different ways to save money.
Take advantage of things that are already paid for, such as on-campus meals and library services.
Get a job first and have your employer pay for your schooling.
Don’t go to these colleges.
Money TIPS
Only buy what you need. Don’t buy on impulse.
Don’t get a credit card. It’s not necessary and you’ll end up paying a high interest rate.
If you do decide to keep a credit card on hand, pay for things with cash as much as you can. Don’t run up credit card bills for trivial things.
Open up a savings account that earns interest.
Keep track of everything you spend. It really helps to know what you have coming in and going out.
Take advantage of student discounts.
Not only should you try to save money, but you should also try to make money! Get a campus job. There are several jobs that have very little responsibility, believe it or not, and many times you can do your homework during this time. There are typically many jobs available on campus and most are pretty flexible with your class schedule.

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1 January 17th, 2010 at 9:05 am

Diane

I really dislike the 1st outfit. red seems too strong/harsh for a job interview, it’s way too matchy-matchy and the heart earrings are childish.

The third outfit is definitely cute though. i like these under $100 posts!

2 January 17th, 2010 at 9:19 am

Rachael

Great post!

I’ve just got a job in admin and these outfits have given me some inspiration for what to wear in the office. i particularly like the first and third outfits. i think i may have to invest in that shirt

3 January 17th, 2010 at 10:37 am

Kaci

Great post! I really liked the second outfit and the pencil skirt in the first outfit. These gave me tons of ideas so thanks!

4 January 17th, 2010 at 10:55 am

Donette

Good post but red is something your not supposed to wear, its a very aggressive color and communicates the wrong idea at times. also, try marshall’s and tj maxx for good business casual wear. i got 2 pair of very nice slacks for 13 a piece.

5 January 17th, 2010 at 11:00 am

Isabelle

Truthfully, red is perfectly fine for an interview. i interview college interns in my job and as long as you look clean and out together you pass presentation points. what you can’t wear is something like a lime-green suit, that makes me think i wont be able to look at you on a daily basis.

The worst things you can do for an interview: open-toe shoes, bad hair, chipped nail polish, too much perfume, sunglasses on your head, be late and look tired and for the love of god, dont chew gum!

If you dont have closed toe shoes and you’re on a budget, wear stockings under them. if you dont have time to wash your hair, pull it back in a bun. if you dont have time to paint your nails at least remove the old polish, clean nails are better than chipped. as for nail color very dark colors are the new neutrals so it’s not bad – nonos are things like neons, mint green, wild blues etc.

6 January 17th, 2010 at 11:19 am

Jazmine

Great ideas, i really like outfit #2

7 January 17th, 2010 at 11:28 am

Aish

Hey wats wring with open toes? ? ? i have these black patent leather,4 inchpeep toe heels…. i like is that appropriate fr formal stuff?

8 January 17th, 2010 at 12:28 pm

J

I think you did a great job with this post, especially in terms of the basic elements for each look. on the money, but:

Speaking as someone who has interviewed and interned a lot: i agree that the headbands along with the heart earrings are not quite the right note to hit. probably either or–keep the accessories that are special and personal unobtrusive, just something to make you feel good. the earrings alone wouldn’t be that noticeable.

I would definitely, definitely wear a jacket to any interview.

Avoid heels that are too high. 4 inches, way too high. too sexy, and what if you have to walk along to an office with someone? better a lower heel for the height, look, style and fit of your clothes but still able to walk comfortably with normal strides.

9 January 17th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Kayla

Thank you so much. business casual is just what i needed for an upcoming sorority interest meeting.

10 January 17th, 2010 at 2:41 pm

Kaya

Outfit #1 is really cute, put-together, but young at the same time. but my fave is outfit #3, very sophisticated and beautiful. i’m not very sure about the second ouftit though, but you did a very good job!

11 January 17th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Fashionstyleadvice

Nice post!

I agree with isabelle (comment no. 8). that’s really good advice!

I also agree with kaya (comment no. 10) on the outfits. i would definitely wear #1 and #3, but i wouldn’t wear #2. it’s too conservative for a powerful young business woman!

Milana from Fashionstyleadvice

12 January 17th, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Grace

Good idea for a post!

The only problem i have is with the length of the dress in the third option – it’s a cute outfit but mid-thigh is wayyyyyy too short even with tights! leave anything more than an inch or two above the knee out of the office!

13 January 17th, 2010 at 5:52 pm

Different

I think you did a great job. do you thrift? i go to thrift stores a lot and i decided to get business casual clothes because i am going to be looking for internships this summer. what i got: 1. xhilaration bllack pants-$2. 00 2. white shirt (button up)-$2. 00 3. gray pants (ha ha they were too long but i’ll cut them) -$2. 00 4. black and white striped pants-$1. 40 so i got 3 pants for less than $6. 00 if you don’t have much money and don’t mind buying used clothes (which u can dry clean b4 wearing), then d thrift store is perfect. i’ll get a blazer soon but i have not found the perfect one.

14 January 17th, 2010 at 6:36 pm

Lalalina

I am inline with many of the other comments that open toe shoes are definitely a no-no. as for heel height, no higher than 2 inches is what i have been told (and what i wear). the only exceptions i have heard for heel heights is if you work in the fashion industry. i really liked outfits 2 and 3! i think outfit 1 is really inappropriate because the shirt looks almost sleeveless and the skirt looks too tight. the best advice i have ever received about business-wear is iron iron iron! wrinkled clothing is never in style:) great job with this article, i can’t wait to see what else you have to share with us!

15 January 17th, 2010 at 8:39 pm

Ashley – flagler college

Thanks for all the feedback! i just wanted to show some basic elements to business casual in this article and use one outfit showcasing pants, one with a dress and another with a skirt.

I didn’t realize how quickly the $100 would add up! many of the websites i looked at had pieces that started at $70 each.

If you have a little extra cash to spare, check out express, new york & company or ann taylor for business casual clothing. or shop when they have amazing semi-annual sales!

Isabelle- thanks for all those great tips!

Donette- i agree! tj maxx and marshalls are great places to find business casual clothing.

Different- i normally don’t thrift, but after seeing those great deals you got, you’ve inspired me to go to my local thrift store.

A few of you think the first outfit is inappropriate, and i agree that it could be, depending on the industry you work for. throwing on a blazer like in outfit #3 or a neutral-colored top would make it more conservative.

16 January 17th, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Tamara

I think it is a very important to state that bussiness casual varies widely from one society to another; and in that line, i disagree with your saying that “overdressed is always better than underdresses”. i work in a grad-school in argentina, and bussiness casual for me and the girls who work with me (a bit older than me, but all under 35) means a darker shade of jeans, a cute top and a pair of flats. only our boss wears pencil skirts and nice shirts; if we would dress like her, i think we might look presuntous or something like that.

Apart from that, great article, great outfits.

17 January 17th, 2010 at 10:48 pm

Julie

When some of you all are saying open-toed shoes are inappropriate,does that include peep toes?

Btw, i have been waiting for this article and i love it and love you for writing it. i feel more inspired with my work clothes

18 January 18th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Fiona f

I don’t think the earrings in #1 are appropriate.

19 January 18th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

Beth

Good ideas! i’m always buying business casual clothes when i see them on sale! i’d say for an interview stick to closed toed shoes, once you get the job you can test the waters and try a peep-toe. (only for fashion/music related fields) for an interview always wear a jacket/blazer! it’s better to look more conservative/dressed up for the first impression.

20 January 18th, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Amy

My mother is a recruiter for a law firm in atlanta and would not admit anyone wearing outfit #1 to the interview – the earrings come off as juvenile and the red is as previously mentioned a little aggressive, especially if being interviewed by a man. just a warning to anyone wanting to perhaps do a summer internship at a law firm or accounting, etc. i know that what’s considered appropriate in different fields is of course different.

21 January 19th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

Tiffany

I work in a bank and never, ever wear a heel higher than 2 or 2 1/2 inches. and while outfit #2 is a little mature for someone in their 20s, your bosses (usually) would rather that you look too mature than too childish. i’m actually still in my teens, but very few of our members at the bank guess that because of how i dress, and they are surprised (in a good way) when i tell them i still go to high school.

22 January 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 am

Aish

Like the first one and the cardigan frm the 2nd the first outfit looks lika a blair waldorf inspiration

23 January 24th, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Nicole

It sounds silly, but when looking for a job a clothing store is a good thing to consider. let me explain-i used to work at banana republic and employees get a massive discount on clothing at it and its franchises. besides that i tend to find good business casual at the above mentioned express and marshalls.

I also add conservative pieces from my own daily closet to my business wardrobe. for example miley cyrus with max azaria’s line for target had a button down top with a decorative neckline that could be modest when worn with a tank under and blazer on top.

This was a great article for the budget friendly! thanks again for writing a nice piece

24 January 24th, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Judy

Outfit one would be better if the blouse was a soft blue. no headband and pearl earrings.

Outfit 2 is classy and perfect!

Outfit 3′s jacket would go perfectly with outfit 1 or two.

My recommendations to start jacket –1 basic black sweater (color) skirt – 1 black, slacks – 2 (black & gray) blouses – 5, (2 white, 1 gray, 1 light blue, 1 pink) belts – 1 narrow, 1 wide shoes – black (mid heel, low heel) purse – black jewelry – minimal is better for office (pearls, gold, silver)

One of the most professional women i know’s entire wardrobe is navy on the bottom and white blouses. everything mixes and matches and makes traveling extremely easy.

Good luck.

25 January 26th, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Nelle

I wonder why thrift stores aren’t mentioned more often. black pants (dockers)- $2. 00 goodwill

26 October 2nd, 2010 at 10:04 pm

Cristina

Amazing stuff! ive just got a job in sales ,these outfits have given me some inspiration . i like first one and will have a try on it .