Couponing is more popular now than ever. With TLC’s reality television show “Extreme Couponing,” the world is now familiar with the growing interest in coupons.
The classic medium for coupons still is newspapers. Just as the world of technology has evolved, so have coupon clippings. Today, coupons can be found on various websites, social media networks, and cell phone applications; making them more available to younger generations. College students have recently adopted this new hobby as a part of their lives.
College is that time where the least amount of money is at hand. Students are always looking for ways to save money; borrowing books, shopping at thrift stores and using public transportation. During college students shopping habits are tailored for themselves so it’s easier for them to obtain big savings. Couponing is a great tool to utilize during those penny-pinching college years.
It’s normal for students to struggle with finances during college. As the years fly by, the experiences in college teaches students the value of a dollar. College students have become aware of the savings and rewards that come along with clipping coupons.
“I use coupons mainly on groceries, and then I have more money for shoes,” said Nesha Thorpe, a third-year biology from Jacksonville. “I believe I save around $50 off my bill at the grocery store,” she adds.
According to RetailMeNot.com, about 24 percent of college students use coupon websites. On average, an intermediate couponer can save nearly $100 a month.
A college student finding the time to clip coupons is different from the average mom. Balancing classes, school work, a part-time job while maintaining a social life, clipping coupons may not make the cut. Yet, they complain about high prices and empty pockets. If the average mom has time to gather coupons while working and maintaining a household, college students can do so too.
Michelle Ranglin, a senior psychology student from Tampa, finds time out of her busy schedule to clipcoupons.
“Every Sunday, I buy the Tallahassee Democrat and cut out coupons from the Smart Source,” she said. “It takes me no more than 20 minutes.”
Without any realization, students who use coupons motivate their friends, cashiers and other shoppers.
“I notice more and more college students are using coupons at work, they have encouraged me to start clipping” says Wal-Mart cashier, Ashley Todd. “These growing numbers of coupon usage will keep manufactures eager to print them.”
Shenice Douglas, a second year social science student from Miami and avid couponer, believes
that using coupons is no longer looked at as a boring activity just for grandmothers.
“The coupon world is changing,” said Douglas. It’s helping college students save money while learning how to balance their expenses.”