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| Utilizing FREE Campus Amenities and other
Penny-Pinching Tips for College Students:
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Congratulations! You’ve chosen a college, you’ve applied, you’ve been accepted and now you’re ready to embark on your college career adventure!
At this point you are already aware that college is no cheap excursion. With the cost of tuition, textbooks, and housing, you are probably already buried under a mountain of debt. While you can’t avoid the basic costs of college, you can learn how to be frugal by taking advantage of many of your campus amenities, in addition to learning some penny-pinching tricks to make the most of your college experience.
Campus Activities:
Colleges nationwide have every club, organization, and committee under the sun. Most colleges offer everything from the common student government organizations to more specific and off-beat groups, like University of Florida’s Rock, Paper, Scissors Club. Whether you are interested in joining or are interested in inquiring about the group’s functions and principles, plan on attending an upcoming event or meeting hosted by the organization. Most likely they will provide food and other free merchandise. This is also a great way to get involved on campus and meet new people.
Academic Resources:
Most campuses have a computer lab that is available to students to use for writing, printing, and copying needs. By utilizing these benefits, you can eliminate the cost of a computer, printer, paper refills, and ink cartridges.
Additionally, most campuses provide complimentary tutoring services. If you are struggling in a particular class, take advantage of this perk or look into joining a study group. You will save money by not having to pay someone to tutor you and you will get better grades. Win, win situation!
Campus Counseling Services:
While starting college is certainly an exciting time in one’s life, it is also extremely stressful and full of differing emotions. If you are overwhelmed with your course load, feeling homesick or isolated, or having difficulties coping with stress in general, then think about discussing your issues with a campus mental health counselor. Colleges generally offer free and confidential counseling to students for a set number of sessions or semesters.
Used Textbooks:
Buying used textbooks opposed to new can save you a bundle! According to the Washington Post, estimates of how much students spend on textbooks range from $700 to $1,100 annually. Between 1986 and 2004, the price of textbooks nearly tripled, rising an average of 6 percent a year while inflation rose 3 percent, according to a 2005 report by the Government Accountability Office. Also consider purchasing your textbooks online for an even larger discount, such as TextBooks.com
,
amazon
or CheapestTextBooks.com
. Make sure that you are aware of the current edition of the textbook before you purchase anything online. Textbooks are often updated, so it is important that you confirm the particular version of a textbook that is required for your class before you buy it.
Forgo Taking Vacations:
Vacations are certainly fun and exciting; however, think about staying close to campus instead and enjoying inexpensive, local activities or some much needed R and R. Or, perhaps forgo a spring break excursion one year and plan a frugal adventure the following year.
Utilize Public Transportation:
For those of you who reside in an area that provides a good source of public transportation, you can easily maneuver around town and to and from campus without having to throw your money away on gas, maintenance, oil changes, etc.
Fiscal Responsibility and Discipline:
Becoming a college student is an unforgettable phase in one’s life. It is an opportunity for personal and academic growth, maturity, and independence. It is important to make the most of your college experience and the best way to do that is to get involved in campus activities and be conscientious of your spending habits. It is easy to derail a budget when your parents are not there to dissuade you from purchasing frivolous items, but that is where your independence comes into play and the development of fiscal responsibility and discipline.
If you have any other penny-pinching tips for college students, please share them with us!
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Check out the Resources section to find information on college. Get help with understanding credit and how to manage your money. Find a job online. You will also find links to local high school web sites. |
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