Textbooks
Textbooks are one of the largest expenses when attending school (outside of tuition and housing.) To save money on textbooks and required reading, here are a few options.
- Check availability at the school or local library
- Search for websites and apps that offer free ebook books and textbooks
- Share costs with other students taking the same classes
- Check with the school; some have textbook and book exchange programs
- Check used book sites and stores to get the books and textbooks at discounted prices
- Search for sites or stores that rent books and textbooks
Student Discounts
Student discounts are available for everything, from laptops to entertainment. While student discounts are widely available, they aren’t always advertised. Some websites and apps help identify where discounts are offered that you can access before you even leave your dorm. Some stores, restaurants, and theaters will have signs to indicate discounts are offered. But if all those fail, make sure you have your student ID on you wherever you go and do things the old fashioned way and ASK! Please don’t be shy, the worst thing they can do is say no, but the best thing they can do is save you money.
Eating In
It doesn’t take a physics major to know it is cheaper to eat in than to eat out, but it is worth the reminder. Even if you don’t like to cook, there are quick and easily ready to go meals you can heat and eat in minutes. Plus, it can be healthier than most restaurant choices. Or if healthy isn’t your cup o’ ramen, junk food is way cheaper store-bought than from a menu. If you can’t resist going out on occasion, remember to grab your student ID and try for a discount!
Save on Housing
Living at home is by far the least expensive housing option, plus home-cooked meals and possibly getting your laundry done by mom are other advantages of living at home while in school. But, if college is not only for the educational value but also the chance to get away from your crazy family, choosing the dorm over an off-campus rental will save you big bucks. If the dorm is not for you, get a roommate you can stand, to save you money by splitting the cost of rent and utilities.
Use Public Transportation
Payments, gas, parking, insurance, and maintenance make having a car expensive. Using a bus pass or other means of transportation that are low cost or free will save you lots of money. If you can’t live without a car, there are a few ways you can cut costs. You can use your vehicle to side-hustle delivering or being a rideshare driver. You can also share a car and expenses with a friend and work out a usage schedule.
Limit Credit Card Usage
Many students get credit card offers as soon as they apply for college. While it would be best to resist the offers and be credit card free, most students can’t resist getting a card. If you have one, limit the use to emergency needs only. Suppose you decide to make a purchase or use if for an emergency, pay off the balance immediately. This quick turnaround will prevent a large amount of interest. Avoid the habit of using a credit card for wants rather than needs.
Conclusion
It is easy to save money while you’re in college if you make simple adjustments and use discounts and shared costs to your financial advantage. Stick to these money-saving tips, and you won’t leave college up to your ears in debt.
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