Before heading to Boston, check in with your roommate to figure out what items you might be able to share. That way, you can avoid purchasing things you won’t need or want. Also, consider what items you can buy secondhand at a more affordable price.

An added bonus: If you have less to unpack, you have more time to enjoy Boston.

Reusable water bottles are a win for both the planet and your wallet. The average American can save $1,350 a year using a refillable water bottle rather than constantly buying disposables. Don’t buy cases of plastic water; instead, take advantage of the bottle-filling stations on campus. Some other great tips:

• Swap out paper towels for reusable cloth products. Your dorm will thank you for the extra space, and so will your wallet.

• Receive a discount on coffee at campus locations when you bring a reusable mug. The savings will add up quickly! 💵

Save money and reduce waste by participating in BU Dining’s reusable to-go container program “Choose to Reuse.” Simply select “Choose to Reuse” when you order on campus using the Grubhub app. (And don’t forget to return the container.)

Instead of buying new cardboard boxes every year, use reusables like storage bins, sturdy bags, and suitcases. These will be lifesavers during your time at BU, especially when (before you know it) it’s time to move out. Also, Boston’s plastic bag fee means that when you buy something you’ll have to pay extra for each bag, so keep those reusable bags handy. All the cents add up.

If you need to pack with cardboard boxes, don’t forget to break them down and recycle them in the designated areas during Move-in. Find cardboard recycling locations in every residential neighborhood.

How we recycle and compost here at BU may differ from the way you do at home. Make sure you read the signage carefully and sort it out. All residence halls have common area trash and recycling. Find locations here.

To reduce energy consumption, buy a smart power strip and turn off overhead lights (open curtains and let in natural light instead). Also, buy energy-saving bulbs for your desk and floor lamps.

Don’t spend extra bucks on a personal printer (and those overly expensive ink cartridges). All dorms and academic buildings have printers, and BU gives every student a printing allowance. 

When you come to college, it’s likely the first time you’re living on your own. A good tip: pick eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your dorm room spick-and-span. Look for certified green cleaning supplies, such as Ecologo, Green Seal, or EPA’s Safer Choice.

Hop on the T, catch the BUS (BU Shuttle), or take advantage of BU’s student discount for Bluebikes membership to get around. Choose from several money-saving options that also reduce your carbon footprint. Also, check out the BU Cycle Kitchen (BUCK), BU’s home for bicycling on campus. The BUCK offers free lessons on bike maintenance and repair, bike registration, and group rides.

Enable power-saving computer settings: have the screen turn off after three minutes and turn your computer off at night. This saves electricity and is more secure, protecting your privacy.

Washing your clothes in cold water reduces energy use and helps clothes last longer. Try to hold off doing laundry until you have a full load—and air dry on a drying rack (it’s cheaper, too).