Six Must-Have Money-Saving Apps for College Students

What college student isn’t looking for a few simple ways to save a few bucks? While tuition fees may be beyond your control, there are plenty of other ways to reduce your costs while in school thanks to today’s apps. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite money-saving apps for students which make it easier than ever to practice frugality while still having your fair share of fun. Let’s count them down.

1. Groupon

If you love a good discount and are willing to try new things, Groupon is not only a great way to save money, but also a terrific avenue for discovering what your city or town has to offer.

Groupon acts as a “middleman” connecting consumers with everything from local restaurant deals to significant discounts -- usually around 50 percent or more -- on both online and local products and services. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive meal, a new laptop or a mani-pedi, you never know what Groupon’s deal-of-the-day will deliver. Don’t like today’s offerings? You’ll have more to pick from tomorrow.

One caveat? Groupon doesn’t reward dalliers. If you see something you like, act fast or it may disappear. Available for iOS, Android, and Windows.

2. ibotta

Image getting cash back every time you shop at your favorite stores. Well, if you’ve got a mobile phone, that’s exactly what ibotta delivers.

From everyday student staples like bread, milk and alcohol to splurges like cute boots, clothing and cosmetics, the savings potential is near-endless with ibotta. It’s easy too. Just download the free app, unlock rebates on thousands of different products, buy in-store, then upload your receipt to cash in.

The best part? You don’t have to worry about points and other distractions. ibatta is all about cold hard cash.

One warning? ibotta can quickly become an addiction, but there are certainly worse problems to have! Available for iOS and Android.

3. Tun

While student discounts are in abundance supply, they can sometimes be challenging to track down. Tun was created with one reason in mind -- to help college students optimize the many student discounts available to them. From yoga classes to Zipcars, Tun rounds up deals and discounts offered by more than 15,000 businesses -- both in your area and online -- and presents them to you in one easily accessible place.

Next semester’s reading list got you down? Don’t miss Tum’s special section just for textbook savings. Available for iOS and Android.

4. GasBuddy

When college students fantasize about all the freedom they’ll enjoy by having a car on campus, they often overlook a potentially budget-crushing factor: the cost of gas. GasBuddy helps savvy students pump smarter by finding the cheapest gas prices in the ‘hood through the power of crowdsourcing. GasBuddy users post and review gas prices in their areas meaning real-time insights into the best local savings.

The handy “Trip Cost Calculator” function, meanwhile, lets you predict just how much that spring break road trip is going to cost you. Available for iOS, Android, Windows and BlackBerry.

5. Spendometer

Students in the UK can now control their spending right from the palms of their hands thanks to this budgeting app from the country’s financial capability charity, The Money Charity. Spendometer lets students easily set spending limits, assess “spending speed,” quickly log spending, and even set a “going out function” which keeps excess in check during nights on the town. Available for iOS.

Students outside the UK don’t have to do without thanks to other popular money management apps with varying features and functions include Mint, PocketGuard, GoodBudget, Wally, and You Need a Budget (YNAB).

One note? People can be fanatical about their choice of budgeting apps so do your research to find the one that best suits your individual needs and lifestyle.

6. College Foodz

If you’re like most students, you’ll get plenty of mileage out of your hot pot during your college days. But the next four years don’t have to mean subsisting entirely on a diet of ramen and macaroni and cheese. This foodie-friendly app puts an end to the “starving student” stereotype by locating all of the food deals in your vicinity at any time of day or night.

You can also set up College Foodz to send push notifications about deals at your favorite restaurants so you’ll never miss again miss another free appetizer special. Take a few seconds to rate your dining experiences, meanwhile, and you’ll also earn rewards. Available for iOS, Android and Windows.

While your college years may never be full of wanton spending, they don’t have to be fraught with financial woes, either. These six apps can help you make the most of your money during your time as a student.