College life as an HFU athlete can be a real whirlwind, right? Between classes,
workouts, and practices, finding time for a job seems impossible. Trust me, I get it! But
don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ve gathered some awesome, money-saving tips that
have been a game-changer for me!

Tip #1: Cut down on eating out!

I used to spend way too much on fast food. But guess what? Cooking your own
meals is a total money-saver. Not only is it cheaper, but you also have control over what
goes into your dishes and how much you eat. Plus, buying groceries in bulk is the
ultimate money-saving move. My personal favorite place to shop for groceries is Aldi.
Aldi is a budget grocery store that offers extremely low prices on basic items and
snacks.

Tip #2: Take advantage of campus resources!

Don’t overlook your meal plan/ campus dining options. HFU offers many different
types of meal plans. While they do come at a cost, they also save you money. I
personally take advantage of the dining hall food as much as possible. Our campus also
offers lots of fun events for free! So instead of paying out of your own pocket to go to a
Sixers game or to the trampoline park, just sign up to go for free with student
engagement! For more information check out HFU Student Engagement on Instagram,
Holy Family Student Engagement (@hfuengagement) • Instagram photos and videos.

Tip #3: Prioritize your spending!

Know the difference between what you want and what you need. It is reasonable
for someone to spend money on needs, these necessities include food, clothing, bills,
gas, insurance etc… Wants, however, are the desires you spend money on, things you
could live without. An example for me would be dining out. Personally I don’t NEED to
get Chick- fil- A all the time. Basically, prioritize fulfilling needs before indulging in wants.

Tip #4: Utilize work study!

Holy Family Women’s Soccer player, Bella Scurci (Freshman and Marketing
Management Major), says “Optimize federal work study opportunities.” This program

provides students with the opportunity to earn funds by working/ studying on campus.
Scurci suggests this for athletes because of how convenient it is. Not only do you get
paid but you don’t even have to leave campus. There are also multiple jobs to choose
from. Check out FWS Jobs | Holy Family University for more information.

Tip #5: Use your campus gym!

Like most athletes, going to the gym is a frequent activity of mine. By utilizing the
fitness facilities offered on campus, athletes can avoid the need for expensive gym
memberships or personal trainers. Regular exercise is essential for athletes to stay in
peak physical condition. Using the campus gym provides access to equipment, trainers,
and fitness classes, which can contribute to better health outcomes. See this link to
view the campus gym hours, Fitness Center | Holy Family University.

Tip #6: Apply for external scholarships!

External scholarships can provide financial aid that can significantly reduce the
financial burden of attending college. Especially if you aren’t eligible for financial aid,
outside scholarships can be a great source of college funding. Tuition costs are often
the largest expense for students, and scholarships can help cover these costs. To
summarize, scholarships can be a huge help by allowing athletes to focus on their
education and sports without excessive financial stress.

By budgeting wisely, seeking scholarships and grants, minimizing unnecessary
expenses, using student discounts, managing meal plans smartly, and exploring part-
time job opportunities, athletes can alleviate the financial strain and focus on their
academic and athletic goals. Implementing these six tips will not only help in saving
money during college years but also instill valuable financial habits that will benefit
athletes long after graduation.

Lily Hoban is a freshman and a bio pre-med major. She is from Millsboro, DE and a member of the HFU softball team.