Newsflash for college students: That student loan money may seem like a never-ending fountain of easy cash, but you’ll probably be paying for the ridiculous junk you buy now well into your 30s. Pennies you manage to save now will pay off in the long run.

MoneySense offers some ways for college students to cut expenses:

*Avoid bottled water. You need to stay hydrated when you’re on the go, but you don’t need to overpay to do so. Invest in a filter and carry tap water around in a container.

*Hunt for free activities. Scour campus newspapers and bulletin boards for free festivals, concerts and meet-ups. Free events can chew up free time and keep you from parting with cash to entertain yourself.

*Don’t pay for services you don’t need. If you’re as busy as you claim to be when your parents ask why you never call, you’re probably too busy to keep up with the hilarious exploits of Wilfred on your TV.

Nine ways to save money at school [MoneySense]

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