11 Tips for Dealing With Money Stress in College

College is a time for learning, new experiences, and lasting memories. Along with the excitement and freedom comes a new level of financial responsibility. Yet, managing your money for the first time can feel stressful and isolating, especially when money is tight. These 11 students from across the United States offer their best advice for dealing with financial anxiety while balancing college life. 

1. Follow a budget

A big source of financial stress is feeling like your money is not in your control. Creating a budget and having a financial plan can help you take charge of your money, in turn reducing your stress and anxiety. UMass Amherst student Avelyse shares how following a budget helps ease her financial worries:

“My advice for anyone facing financial anxiety while balancing college life is simple: know what you're spending money on, and make a habit of tracking it regularly. Set aside time at the end of each week or month to review your expenses. It might seem tedious, but it’s crucial to understand exactly where your money is going and how much you can reasonably save. Having a budget allows you to plan for the unexpected costs, like textbooks or parking tickets, that inevitably come up.”

Avelyse O. University of Massachusetts Amherst

2. Find a new job

Often, financial stress comes simply from not having enough money. Getting a part-time job or working over the summer can help you earn extra cash and feel more financially secure. Ansarul, a student at the University of Redlands, shares how having a job decreases money stress:

“My best advice for dealing with financial anxiety while balancing college life is to work part-time to minimize costs and utilize spare time productively. Whether it’s delivering products, assisting someone, freelancing, or any other job, every effort counts. While others might spend their free time relaxing or socializing, using that time to earn extra income or study can help ease financial stress.”

Ansarul K. University of Redlands

3. Ask for help

Money stress can make you feel isolated, but you are not alone. There are plenty of people and an abundance of resources on campus to support you. You just have to be willing to reach out. Alex from the University of Chicago shares how asking for help has impacted how he manages his financial stress:

“For many first-generation students like me, there’s a deep sense of pride and responsibility—not wanting to burden family, not wanting to admit when things are hard. But I learned that universities have resources for a reason. Whether it’s a campus food pantry, emergency grants, or simply talking to an advisor, reaching out doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re using every tool available to succeed.”

Alex G. University of Chicago

4. Save for emergencies

If you have extra money after paying for your tuition, textbooks, and rent, it’s a good idea to tuck some of it away for emergencies. Setting funds aside can help you handle unexpected situations, like a health problem, sudden expense, or loss of income, without added stress. Clayton, a student at Wake Forest University, shares how having an emergency fund helps her stay calm and prepared during college:

“If I could offer advice to other students going through something similar, it would be to build an emergency fund, even if it’s just a small amount at first. It doesn’t have to be huge, but having a bit of money set aside for those unexpected costs can take a lot of the stress out of these situations.”

Clayton D. Wake Forest University

5. Keep things in perspective

College may sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s just a short chapter in your life. Not every unexpected expense will lead to a crisis. Keeping things in perspective can help you make wiser financial decisions. A student from Yale University shares how this mindset has helped him make smarter financial choices: 

“When it comes to dealing with financial anxiety, both during college and afterwards in the real world, I have found that the best thing you can do is to keep things in perspective. So often we are trapped in thinking that a sudden financial burden is the end of the world, and that things would just be so much better if it were fixed. However, unexpected emergencies and expenses are just a regular part of life. By taking a deep breath and realizing that there are things you can do, no matter how small, you can take the first step towards progress. And while doing so, you can learn different skills and abilities you might not have known that you had, all the while becoming more independent and creative in the process.”

Jacob W. Yale University

6. Be proactive, not reactive

It’s easy to procrastinate in college, but when it comes to your finances, putting things off can cause more stress down the line. Being self-aware when you fall into bad habits and taking the initiative to correct them will help you get through. Brady, a student at UMass Amherst, explains how being proactive has helped him stay on top of his financial health:

“What I’ve learned is managing anxiety in college life isn’t just about time management or studying harder. It’s also about being self-aware and proactive. I know if I am struggling with finances in college don't wait until I'm in crisis to ask for help...Stress is real, but with the right support and mindset, it doesn’t have to define your experience.”

Brady S. University of Massachusetts Amherst

7. Determine your priorities

College comes with a lot of opportunities, and it’s important to figure out what matters to you most. You’ll need to decide which activities or responsibilities are worth your time and energy. Kaycie, a student at the University of South Carolina, shares how determining priorities now will set her up for financial success later:

“My best advice for anyone facing financial anxiety in college is to sit down and figure out what your top priorities are. For me, my number one goal is to graduate college with a GPA above 3.5, so school must come first. But to stay in school, I need to keep working and bringing in enough income, so my job has become my second priority. That means I’ve had to let go of some clubs, social outings, and free time—but I know this is only temporary. These sacrifices are setting me up for a better future.”

Kaycie W. University of South Carolina

8. Avoid comparison

It’s common for students to make financial choices based on trends or financial peer pressure. But constantly comparing your financial situation to others can lead to unnecessary stress and overspending. Kirklan, a student at the University of North Dakota, shares his advice on how to avoid the comparison trap and focus on what’s right for you:

“My best advice is to accept that balance doesn’t look the same for everyone. Not every student can manage a job during the school year, and that’s okay. I’ve found that working during the summer is a great way to earn income without overwhelming my schedule during the academic year. Summer jobs still leave time for rest and fun, but they also ease financial burdens. Whether it’s budgeting more carefully, picking up part-time work, or finding scholarships and grants, it’s important to explore different ways of managing finances and find what works best for you.”

Kirklan G. University of North Dakota

9. Start small

When it comes to managing your money, big overnight changes often don’t stick. Real progress in your personal finances comes from taking small, consistent steps towards your goals. A student from the University of Central Florida shares how she tackles financial stress one (small) step at a time:

“My advice to anyone dealing with financial stress in college is this: start small. You do not need to have it all figured out, but you do need to start. Set goals, track your spending, and be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Whether it is skipping takeout once a week or setting aside $10 from every paycheck, those small choices add up.”

Chelsea A. University of Central Florida

10. Think long-term

Balancing classes, social events, a job, and study time can make it easy to focus only on the here and now, but college is about more than just getting through the week. Skipping a campus event or passing on the latest trend might feel like a big deal at the moment, but it won’t matter years from now. A Colorado State University student shares how she chooses long-term stability over FOMO (the fear of missing out):

“The best advice I can give to students who feel financial stress and are balancing their college lifestyle is to look at the big picture. Money can afford you fun things, especially when your peers around you are willingly spending. I acknowledge that saying “no” in social settings is challenging, but sometimes necessary. The bigger picture of your needs and your financial stability calls for you to look beyond small moments of instant gratification.”

Alanie R. Colorado State University

11. Remember your "why"

In the hustle and bustle of college life, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. Whether you’re a first-generation student, working toward your dream career, or simply pushing yourself to grow, your “why” matters. Milena, a George Washington University student, shares how taking time to reflect on your purpose can keep you grounded and motivated:

“To anyone struggling with financial stress in college, my best advice is this: remember your purpose and let it guide you. Don’t let money become your only focus. While financial stability is important, it’s not the sole measure of success or happiness. If I could speak to my fifteen-year-old self, I would show her that life has so much more to offer than constant worry over finances. While growing up with financial challenges was never easy, it shaped my resilience, my independence, and ultimately, my outlook on life. I truly believe I wouldn’t be who I am today without those experiences.”

Milena W. George Washington University

Financial stress is a common part of college, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. Reducing your money anxiety in college starts with small steps, a support system, and a clear focus. By following these tips from students, you can build not only financial resilience but confidence for the years ahead.