It’s already hard enough having to wake up, make it to class on time, get good grades, and deal with the everyday pressures of college life! When it comes to college we know how costly it could be, and we’re not talking tuition only. Here are some useful tips that will help you cut down some costs!
1. Buy used books! There are usually one or two used text books store located near or close by your campus, used books are by far cheaper than buying new text books. If you can’t find a text book store in your area Amazon.com is a great site to find used books at a great price and you get them delivered right to your door.
2. Come up with a budget plan! You might have a job during school breaks or you might just be receiving an allowance from your parents who are very supportive and want you to finish school. Which ever the case might be, make a budget plan for yourself. Write down how much money you will be receiving at the beginning of each month, calculate what you will be spending on food, gas, outings, etc. And do your best to cut back from the spending each month, that way you become accustomed to less spending.
3. Use local banks! If you are one of the many people that are attending college away from home, this is a useful tip. When using an ATM machine out of your banks network they tend to charge a fee ranging anywhere from $2.00-$4.oo. Not only will you be charged at the ATM, your bank will charge a fee as well for not using one of their ATM machines. Before moving look up the area where you will be spending the next few years and see if your bank has a branch located in that area or you can close that account and open a new one near campus.
4. Credit Cards! Leave these back home. Only use them if you absolutely need. Credit card rates now-a-days are extremely high! It’s one less thing that you should stress about.
5. Part-time job! If you consider yourself a multi tasker, and know that having a job won’t conflict with your hectic school schedule, find your self a part-time job. You could find something that doesn’t take too much time away from school and earn you extra cash.
6. Student Discounts! Don’t be afraid to flash your student ID simply because people might think you’re cheap! Trust me if that person is someone you hang out with, that was not aware of the discounts you can receive for being a student, there will come a time where you will find that person guilty of taking advantage of student discounts. These discounts are only available at selected places, but they do help when available.
7. Internet! You don’t have to sign a contract and pay a monthly fee to access the Internet anymore. There are a lot of public places that offer free WI-FI. Some of these places might have the only customer policy, but it’s worth it! Buying a $3.00 cup of coffee versus a $20.00 monthly fee for a year or two, Which one would you pick?
8. Cell Phones! Everybody needs one, but do limit yourself on how much you use it. We know it’s hard being away from home and you will want to talk to your family and friends, you can do this just take advantage of your service providers free nights and weekends. Some cell phone providers also offer free long distance. Just make sure you have it in your plan, if you don’t add it and it’ll help you cut some spending on your cell phone bill.
9. Room-mate it! If you think that dorm life is out of the question, try living with a room mate or two. Living off-campus can be pricey. Living with other people helps in lowering the amount you will have to pay each month on rent and utilities than you would if you lived on your own. You could either find someone who you already know or there are ads or postings made by other college students that are interested in living off-campus also.
10. Purchase a bike! It’s probably been a while since you last rode on one, but really riding a bike to school if you live near campus saves a lot of money! Just look at it this way, you won’t have to pay for gas, vehicle registration, auto insurance, campus parking permit, or routine vehicle maintenance. Besides all that biking is good for the environment and you get some exercise as well.
11. Happy Hour! Looking to socialize or just to take a break from the books? Check out the local bars or restaurants. A lot of places offer happy hour which is only from 4pm-7pm. During that time places will offer two-for-ones on alcoholic beverages, half-off on appetizers, or half-off one entrees. You could still eat out or have some drinks with friends with out digging too much into your wallet.
