Money. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Starting graduate school (and moving to a new city) can put a strain on your budget. Many of you have talked with us about the fears you have around this financial transition. To help ease the stress of figuring your finances out, here are some resources and ideas that help make a limited budget less problematic. You can do this! All you need is some creativity and a bit of advance planning.

Low Cost Healthcare

For Seattle-area folks, here are a few other healthcare options:

Look for Deals for Play, Eats, and Services

Keep Parking Costs Down

If you’ll be commuting to school this fall or just arriving for residency, the cheapest route is to walk, bus, or bike, but if you must drive, there are some ways to shave a few bucks off here and there.

Save on Groceries

Food Stamps

If you’re a full-time student and work at least 20 hours per week, you can qualify for food stamps. You can find the directory of state programs of the SNAP program here.

Compare Local Grocery Stores by Price

Try an app like Flipp to compare prices of common items so you know you’ll get the best deal. Or do your own price recon by comparing receipts after shopping trips!

Here’s a quick rundown and rating of notable grocery stores in the Seattle area:

Managing Your Coffee Addiction

Free Coffee at The Seattle School

In the Commons area of The Seattle School, there is drip coffee brewed throughout the day for our community! If we’re out and you’d like to help by making a pot, just ask someone at the front desk to show you how, and remember the directions are labeled by the machine (don’t try to guess your way through it, it can be a messy process).

Pick Up Punch Cards for Your Favorite Shops

Many coffee shops have cards that get stamped or punched each time you buy a drink. Usually, you get the 10th drink free. Not every place does this, but here’s a list of a few Seattle spots that do:

Prepaid Giftcards that Factor in a Free Drink

Furnishing Your New Home

For those of you moving to Seattle or another location, you may find that moving is easier and cheaper if you don’t bring everything you own with you. Once you’re here, there are plenty of ways to furnish your new place on a tight budget.

So there you have it. Being on a student budget doesn’t mean you have to succumb to Ramen and nights of boredom—just plan ahead and get creative. And don’t forget to share your own ideas and money-saving tips with your cohort!