Everything from textbooks, food, transportation, supplies and entertainment -- these will all cost you money. There's no getting around it.
Start the Countdown College can be an expensive endeavor, even with scholarships and other kinds of financial aid. It's difficult enough balancing a class schedule -- the thought of balancing a check book, on the other hand, can strike fear into the hearts of even the most studious mathematicians.
However, there are easy ways to save. Here are several ways to avoid the constant panic of going broke.
Buy Textbooks From Used Bookstores
New textbooks from university bookstores can be very expensive.
Brand new editions of chemistry books, for instance, can cost as much
as $300, and that's not including any lab material. However, you can cut
costs on reading materials and not starve. Look around for used
bookstores. Most college campuses should have several -- the prices are
heavily discounted, and book conditions are usually good. If you have
enough time before classes start, check out the Internet for your books.
Even with shipping charges, prices can turn out to be cheaper from online bookstores.
And don't forget -- some of your friends might have taken a course in
the past. Ask around and see if you can borrow from someone.
Seek Alternative Transportation
Instead of driving to class and spending money on gas, parking passes and possible tickets, look into a local bus or subway
system. If the system is run by your university, you'll probably be
able to ride for free with a student ID. If a transportation system
doesn't exist (or the existing one isn't safe or reliable), try to work
out class schedules with friends and carpool. If you're close enough, walk or bike to class and get some much-needed exercise.
Choose The Right Meal Plan
Campus meal plans vary depending on the university -- food quality,
how often you eat, how much you eat, and location can all factor in. A
meal plan can be a good deal, however, so do a little research and see
if it's worth it. Grab a brochure; ask meal plan veterans; anything to
get a little taste. Some universities offer off-campus meal plans, too.
These usually involve deals with food chains,
so make sure the plan is appealing to you. If you decide to skip out on
a meal plan, it's possible to eat enough and eat healthy on your own
budget. Cut out coupons,
buy in bulk and sign up for a shopper's discount card. Be creative and
plan dinners with roommates and friends instead of going to more
expensive restaurants.
Set Up A Student Checking Account
Banks usually cater to college students by offering free checking and savings accounts,
allowing you to avoid fees on withdrawals, fund transfers or the
minimum amount allowed in the account. Make sure online banking is an
option, as this makes it easier to follow your activity. Keep track of
your account -- overdrafting will only cost you more in fees. So, do
what it takes to stay out of the red as much as possible.
Get Organized
It might seem like a hassle, but saving receipts of everything you purchase -- from small items such as a candy bar or a CD, to big-ticket items like a new computer
-- is a great way to monitor your spending habits. Try it out for a
month. When your thirty days are up, add up all of your expenses and see
where your money went. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to cut back
on unnecessary spending.
Be Creative With Your Leisure Time
Everyone needs to unwind after studying, and college campuses
typically offer all sorts of opportunities -- movie theaters, bars,
cafes, arts centers, parks, downtown shopping centers, et cetera. Ask
if any of these places offer student discounts. You can also think of
alternative ways to have a good time. If you make the right choices and
use a bit of creativity, you can have fun and save money at the same
time. Plan a picnic in the park; make dinner for a date instead of going
to a fancy restaurant; go for a bike ride around town; play Frisbee
golf on campus. Any of these activities cost a fraction of the typical
college experience and can be more fun.
Put down the video game controllers, go outside and get some
free fresh air.
Find A Job
If you can fit it into your busy class schedule, a part-time job is a
great way to bring in some extra income and give you some more
flexibility with your spending. Waiting tables or delivering food can
bring in great tips,
and college-town restaurants are almost always looking for new help. A
great way to earn some money and get some studying done is to work at
your university's library. It's not a very demanding job and is usually
quiet, so you can read for class and get paid at the same time.
Get The Right Cell Phone Plan
It's difficult to get by without a cell phone
today, but with a little research you can find an affordable plan that
fits your needs. If they're up for it, join a family cell phone plan
with your parents. It's usually much cheaper for everyone involved than
having separate plans. If you're on your own, check out websites that
offer side-by-side comparison charts of different cell phone plans. You
should also avoid text messaging. Before you know it, you could rack up
hundreds of dollars worth of texts when you could have communicated the
same information for much less. Remember, phone companies charge both
the sender and receiver of text messages, so let your friends know if
you don't want them texting you five times every class. Send out e-mails or use free networking Web sites like Myspace or Facebook.
Be Smart About Apartment Living
If you're not living in the dorms, split the rent with a few
roommates. When thinking about appliances, see if your apartment complex
provides a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, a microwave,
and other handy accessories. If your parents or friends have any old
appliances lying around, ask them if they'd be willing to part with
them. Electricity, water and heating bills can be costly, so do your best to conserve -- turn off lights when you're not in the room, use as little water as possible by taking fast showers and use the A/C and heat sparingly.
Look For Scholarships
your apartment complex provides a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, a microwave, and other handy accessories. If your parents or friends have any old appliances lying around, ask them if they'd be willing to part with them. Electricity, water and heating bills can be costly, so do your best to conserve -- turn off lights when you're not in the room, use as little water as possible by taking fast showers and use the A/C and heat sparingly.
http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/college-planning/financial-aid/college-savings.htm#page=11
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