How to Save Money in College

Budgeting is a real part of the college experience. But you don’t have to survive exclusively on Ramen noodles or rely on cramming a dozen people into a one-bedroom apartment to make it work. There are many more practical ways to save money at the University of Montana and still live comfortably. Scroll below to discover some tested tips and tricks to save money while attending UM:

Take Advantage of Your Meal Plan

The Lodge Dining Center with students eating

The University of Montana offers five-day and seven-day meal plans, and while there’s an upfront cost, using your meal plan strategically can save you a lot on food while still eating well. The Lodge Dining Center, the primary eating spot on campus, has seven in-house restaurants with a variety of healthy, delicious meal options.

Learn More: Meal Plans at the University of Montana

Stay in the Residence Halls

Girl laying on her bed in her dorm playing on phone

Missoula is an expensive place to live, but living in a residence hall can help. According to apartments.com, the average rental cost is $1370 per month. For a school year, that is around $9600 total. The total cost for a year in the dorms can be between $6,200 and $8,700.

Did you know: The residence halls aren’t just for first-year students. Residence halls are also popular options for students further along in their academic journey, including the apartment-like accommodations at the University Villages.

Learn More: 2026-2027 Rates at UM

Shop at The Loop Campus Thrift Store

People checking out clothes on a table

The Loop @ Lommasson is UM’s new thrift store on campus! Need something cheap for your dorm? Try The Loop before looking elsewhere. Off campus, Missoula also has plenty of sustainable thrift store options. It’s not hard to be sustainable (and keep things cheap!)

Go to Free Events Around Town and on Campus

The big Griz Helmet blow up and lots of people at Caras Park

Missoulians are always out on the town throughout the year! Places like Caras Park often have free events, such as the River City Roots Festival. Campus frequently has events for students, including sporting events, Shakespeare in the Parks and UC After Dark. Just because you are trying to save money doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have fun!

Rent Outdoor Gear from Campus Rec

People kayaking on the river

Campus Rec's Outdoor Program offers cheap rentals of outdoor items you may need for your outing. You can rent tubes, kayaks, camping equipment, biking equipment, skis and more. These rentals are available for all community members and are steeply reduced for students.

Griz Gears Bike Rentals, via Transportation, is a place you can rent a bike for different amounts of time. They also have a retail shop that offers bike products at a reduced rate for students to help keep bikes safe.

Learn More: Outdoor Program

Learn More: Griz Gears Bike Rentals

Use Your Griz Card for Discounts

Buildings downtown

Sometimes your Griz Card can be a pot of gold! Some places around town offer discounts to students who present a Griz Card. This also applies to several online retailers and subscription services, including Amazon and Spotify. Aren’t sure if a discount applies? It never hurts to ask.

Go Car Free

UDASH Bus

You do not need a car to get around campus or Missoula. UM’s Transportation UDASH bus line, and the city’s Mountain Line, offer several routes and pickups and 100% free rides. Bikes, scooters and walking are also lovely ways to travel to campus, especially if you live close.

Rent Textbooks and More from the Mansfield Library and Missoula Public Library

front face of missoula public library

The Mansfield Library and Missoula Public Library offer several free resources. The Missoula Public Library has programs you can join, a Makerspace, culture passes and more. The Mansfield Library offers books and help finding cheaper textbooks. You can also join workshops, print, experience VR, rent study rooms and more.

Find Free and Discounted Griz Apparel and Career Attire

UM has two events that can help spruce up your wardrobe in different ways. Pick up Griz gear at the Griz Gear Grab so you don't have to wear anything but classic colors at a game! Students have a chance to pick up some business attire for jobs, careers and interviews at The Career Closet event.

Learn More: Career Days

Ask Bear Necessities for Help

Person working with student showing them something on laptop

Bear Necessities is a useful resource for students in need of some form of financial help. Bear Necessities can help students solve housing issues and develop budgets. They also help students find resources to meet basic needs, including operating several food pantries across campus. Anything money and budget related, Bear Necessities can be a source to help you make sense of it.

Learn More: ASUM Bear Necessities

Maximize Scholarship Opportunities

Apply to scholarships throughout your journey as a student! Students can find and apply for many scholarships within and outside their departments. There are also ways to find non-UM-related scholarships as well. Applying for scholarships can help take the load off and supplement Financial Aid or other methods of paying for college.

Learn More: Scholarships