Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: UNIVERSITY

  • 💸 9 Realistic College Budgeting Tips That Actually Work

    💸 9 Realistic College Budgeting Tips That Actually Work


    Budgeting can be hard (and kind of boring, honestly), but it’s essential — especially when you’re in college. I’ve been there! Between textbooks, rent, and late-night coffee runs, money disappears fast.
    Here are a few practical things I did in college that helped me save over $9,000 while working part-time at just above minimum wage.

    1. Work Part-Time

    Yes, you can work and still enjoy college life! Look for a flexible job that complements your schedule and builds your resume.
    If a company isn’t hiring, drop off a resume anyway — sometimes persistence pays off. If you need an internship, talk to your academic adviser about paid options. I made new friends and picked up valuable skills through part-time work.

    2. Donate Plasma (Responsibly!)

    It’s not glamorous, but donating plasma can help you earn extra cash and contribute to medical research. I went through BioLife Plasma Services, which often offers new donor coupons for extra money.

    3. Open a Checking & Savings Account

    If you don’t already have a credit union or local bank account, get one! Automate your savings — I set up a transfer to move money from checking to savings the day after payday.
    A budget planner like the Erin Condren Budget Book helped me stay organized.

    4. Buy Used & Save Big

    For two years, I didn’t buy new clothes or furniture unless it was secondhand or on sale. I loved shopping at Goodwill, eBay, and the Salvation Army.
    Fun fact: Ann Taylor donates gently worn clothing to Goodwill, so keep your eyes open for some great finds!

    5. Use Coupons & Cashback Apps

    I swear by Ibotta and Honey — they’re game-changers for saving money online.
    If you shop at Hy-Vee, load coupons directly to your Fuel Saver card for discounts on gas and groceries.

    6. Track Your Spending

    Keep a spending summary or log so you actually see where your money’s going. You can use a spreadsheet or a cute budget book like Erin Condren’s. A little tracking goes a long way!

    7. Set Up a GoFundMe

    Sometimes, friends and family want to help — they just don’t know how. A GoFundMe page can make it easy for them to support you when they’re able.

    8. Build Credit Carefully

    Credit cards can be great for building credit, but tread carefully. Use them for small purchases only, and always pay your statement balance, not just the minimum. Consider setting up auto-pay to avoid missed payments.

    9. Eat at Home (Seriously!)

    Takeout adds up fast. Cooking at home can save a ton of money — and you might even enjoy it!
    If you’re tight on cash, invite a friend to cook with you or have a potluck night. You can still have fun and stay within budget.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Budgeting isn’t about depriving yourself — it’s about being intentional with your money. Once you build small habits, it gets so much easier. Trust me, even a few mindful changes can make a big difference.

    Have a budgeting hack that’s worked for you? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

  • ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    Traveling to Sweden was such an incredible adventure! I left from my hometown airport in Des Moines, Iowa, and made my way all the way to Stockholm and Oskarshamn. This trip was part of a study abroad program with classmates from KTH and Stockholm University — and it was everything I hoped it would be (and more).

    🗓️ Day One: Wheels Up!

    Departure: Des Moines Airport ✈️

    Packed, nervous, and beyond excited, I was finally heading to Sweden! It didn’t really hit me until I was in the air that I was going to be spending the next few weeks living, studying, and exploring abroad.

    🗓️ Day Two: Hello, Stockholm!

    Arrival: Arlanda Airport 🇸🇪
    Check-In: Zinkensdamm Hostel
    1:00 PM – City Tour: Gamla Stan (Old Town)
    6:00 PM – Dinner at a local Irish pub 🍽️

    Once we landed at Arlanda, we hopped on a bus that took us straight to our hostel — and let me tell you, I highly recommend Zinkensdamm Hostel. The breakfast spread was amazing (I still think about those fresh pastries), and the restaurant on-site was great too. It’s also super close to public transportation, which makes exploring Stockholm so easy.

    Now, fair warning — the rooms are definitely on the smaller side. It’s cozy, but you’ll want to pack smart! Oh, and double-check your adapters before you leave. I brought an older one and couldn’t charge my laptop at first (rookie mistake 🙃).

    That evening, our group wandered down the street to a nearby Irish pub for dinner, and I tried the lamb. It was delicious — the perfect cozy meal after a long day of travel.

    🚆 Getting Around Stockholm

    Using public transit in Stockholm is surprisingly easy! The trains are clean, efficient, and simple to navigate. That said, if you’ve got a lot of luggage, I recommend grabbing a taxi or booking a driver service for your first day.

    Since I was there for three weeks, I picked up a train pass — totally worth it. It made it so easy to hop on and off the metro whenever I wanted to explore.

    Sweden instantly felt like a second home — calm, beautiful, and full of charm. This was just the start of an unforgettable trip!✨

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    Buy me a coffee!
  • College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    Okay, let’s talk about Johnny’s. If you went to Iowa State, you already know the magic — and if you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list ASAP. Going back recently gave me all the college nostalgia feels. There’s just something about being surrounded by Cyclone pride that takes you right back to game days, packed stands, and that unbeatable energy of Hilton Magic.

    Now, here’s the wild part — rumor has it you need to make a minimum donation of $12,500 for direct access to Johnny’s. Um, excuse me?! My college self could barely afford ramen noodles and Cherry Vodka Sours, let alone that. 😂 But hey, we’re manifesting. Maybe one day I’ll make that donation like a true alum baller. As Rihanna once said, “Work, work, work, work, work.”

    Let’s get to the good stuff though — the food, the bar, the atmosphere. It’s next level. I shamelessly hit up the buffet three times (because college habits die hard), and the unlimited lemonade refills? Chef’s kiss. 🥤

    The crowd, the cheers, the buzz — it’s like being wrapped in Cyclone spirit all over again. There’s something about Johnny’s that just feels like home for every ISU fan. It’s classy, it’s chaotic, it’s a total blast.

    So here’s to Johnny’s, to Hilton Magic, and to all the Cyclones who still get chills when the crowd starts chanting. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone. 🌪️❤️💛