College kids are the champions of frugal.
Balancing work and classes on a tight budget can foster uninhibited creativity and innovation. College kids have been cutting corners for eons.
A little imagination can go a long way. It’s all about efficiency and saving money.
Some college-era creations deserved praise for their brilliance. Others can be respected for their utter novelty.
If you’re looking for some DIY engineering hilarity, you’ve come to the right place.
Check out these 35 ridiculous albeit brilliant college student life hacks. Though I do warn… you may grow jealous that you didn’t think of these first!
1. DIY apartment hottub
Wow, this is a pretty intense setup! They have to be engineering majors, right? I get the queasy feeling that this episode ends badly. Maybe not… Seriously, what could go wrong?
2. Thinking outside the pizza box
Some could argue this is foolish. Others may think it’s crude. And they wouldn’t be wrong. But this might be genius in its own way. Has a hairdryer and iron combination been used in the same way before? This might be a first.
3. Grilling cart
Well if the metal is the right material and the cart’s been properly cleaned and disinfected maybe it could work… I’m not sure why I’m trying to justify this. It’s certainly creative, to say the least.
4. Snowfrigerator
What happens when life gives you lemons? You turn those lemons into a beer refrigerator. I like the top compartment. I’m getting chills just looking at this.
5. Burn it all
Need to get rid of the evidence of a party? I guess this is one option… The pool’s for the added safety, obviously. What a lovely view.
6. Car repair medication
This prototype actually has potential. Imagine putting the lights inside the containers. With the right material, it might be possible. With cash hard to come by in college, this is every bit as frugal as it is reckless…
7. Riding lawnmower
This. This right here is innovation. I’m not sure how much weight and pressure it can support, and those tires are certainly not optimal for the job, but I like the idea of riding a mechanical lawnmower. It looks kinda fun.
8. Ironing
Assuming the iron and stove are clean, this might not be the worst idea ever. Metal does conduct heat pretty well, after all. But seriously, definitely invest in a new iron!
9. Makeshift goblet
What do you do when you have no money and need some cups? As a college student, just cut up those old plastic bottles. Shoutout to that ornate goblet.
10. Tennis racket strainer
Tennis champions always have a racket on hand. I’m not sure how sanitary this is, but it might just work. Seriously though, strainers only cost a couple bucks!
11. Skater automation
This is what innovation looks like. Faced with a lack of resources, this skater automated the process of capturing water. Even that dude in the hall on the left is impressed.
12. A bookcase of books
Most bookcases just hold books. This bookcase takes things to the next level… It’s made of books. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy shelves and pristine wood. Nope, just use other books.
13. Toilet roll
There’s something to be said about buying it bulk. Sometimes, it can definitely be advantageous. Unfortunately, this giant roll that looks like its meant for interstate rest stops and public bathrooms might not fit…
14. Pasta plastic
Washing dishes is the worst. So how do you avoid washing dishes? This goes beyond paper and plastic plates… If done wrong, this can be incredibly wasteful.
15. Free milk
If the dining hall has no rules against this… why not? I’m sure she saves a ton on milk. There are tons of shortcuts in life. Sometimes you just have to know what knobs to pull.
16. Stick shift lock
What’s the best way to prevent car theft? Make it impossible for the thief to actually drive, right? If you’re worried about security, this is ingenious.
17. Couch repair
Some leather doesn’t last. Instead of wasting the time to repair the leather or get a new couch, just grab a standalone chair! Is that a DVD copy of Top Gun?
18. Cake matches
Who needs candles when you have matches? I’m not sure that they’ll have the same effect, though. For what it’s worth, the cake looks scrumptious!
19. Covering up that sock hole
What do you do with a sock that has a hole in it? Try to repair it? Throw it away? Nah. There are other, more… innovative means.
20. Boiled eggs
Boiled eggs usually come in a pot on a stove. I can’t speak to the efficacy of this method as I’ve never even seen it even attempted. This pot’s serving up way more than just coffee these days!
21. Can collector
I’m hoping this message comes with the idea of recycling all of those cans! Maybe it’s a scheme to profit off of excess aluminum? I hope those cans were used for the powers of good!
22. Dust pan pizza
Everyone needs a dustpan. They’re relatively cheap. But if you’re completely broke, there are other ways… like the pan pizza.
23. Stereo
Sometimes the monophonic audio of most modern phones simply doesn’t cut it. Achieving stereophonic sound isn’t only possible with expensive electronics. A couple milk cartons can go a long way.
24. Bumper repair
What do you do when you get into a fender bender? Some bumpers are beyond repair! Well, that’s one way to fix the damage…
25. Broken clock
They say a broken clock’s right twice a day. Well, this one’s broken all day everyday. But it still works thanks to some creative wizardy!
26. Lounging around
People who travel everywhere with their hammocks have the right idea. He knows exactly what he’s doing. Anywhere’s the perfect spot when you have a hammock!
27. Pleding Delta
College kids will do anything to save a buck or three. Get ready for liftoff! Next stop: graduation!
28. Ironing via boiling
Admittedly, I didn’t use an iron a single time during my college years. There are ways to circumvent the need for an iron… Who would have known pots of boiling water could be so useful outside of the kitchen?
29. Shower hangers
Want to save a few bucks on your shower curtain? Skip the curtain rings. If you have an abundance of hangers, you’re good to go… maybe.
30. As good as new
Tape can fix anything. Like this plate, for instance. You can barely notice it ever broke. It’s as good as new!
31. Chop pens
Chopsticks don’t even cost anything… You can get them for free – in excess – at tons of restaurants. This is disrespectful to pens and noodles… and chopsticks.
32. Popcorn alarm
Well, this is certainly an interesting way to replace a fire alarm. Never ever do this. Plus, that’s just a waste of some good movie night popcorn. Remember kids, stay cool about fire safety!
33. Blow-dried rice
How do you heat your food minus a microwave and stove? There are other ways… They’re just not as effective. Weird… the rice tastes a little hairy.
34. Popcorn bowl
Let me introduce you to the famous hood-bowl. It keeps you warm and provides a workable container for all your snacks! Just be careful when watching horror films.
35. Rearview mirror brush
Never look back as they say. But in a car, you have to look back. What do you do when you’re missing a mirror and have no money? You get creative. Definitely never do this.
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