Save a Fortune on College with These 7 Tips ...

College is expensive. I’m not saying anything particularly groundbreaking when I make that statement. We all know it’s expensive, and we’re all looking for ways to save money at college. Whether you’re about to start college or about to start your last year, you’re probably still looking for tips and tricks to save money, and I’ve got you covered. I’m about to start my last year of college and I’m still always on the hunt for the greatest deals and ways to save and make money!

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1. Take the Freebies

When you’re first starting out in college, it could feel like everywhere you go, people are throwing freebies at you—whether they’re coupon books or free food. No matter what freebies you’re being given, take them and use them. Those coupon books may seem like a waste, but when it’s exam time and you’re looking for food late at night, they’ll come in handy.

2. Keep a Finances Journal

Keep a journal of every dollar you bring in and every dollar you spend. It will help you identify where your money is going, if you have any bad spending habits, and if you could be saving some money or placing it elsewhere if you stopped spending it. For example, if you have a takeout problem but you have a meal plan, maybe you could redirect the money you’re spending on takeout to something like a post-college fund.

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3. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money

If your school schedule is chaotic and you don’t have the time to get a regular job, look on the Internet. There are a surprising amount of virtual jobs on the Internet that offer flexible hours. You can work the hours you’re available, rather than constantly working to schedule hours at a job waiting tables.

4. Buy Used Books and Sell Them after

I really don’t recommend renting books. Sure, you save a little bit of money on them, but then you don’t get any money back at the end of the semester. I always stand by the idea that you should buy your books used (from the Internet, not from a student bookstore) and then sell them online after the semester is over (again, not at a student bookstore). You’d be surprised by how much money you’ll save when you follow that method!

5. Get Crafty

Whether you’re trying to decorate your dorm or update your wardrobe, throw some DIY into the mix. You can easily update any hand-me-downs with some quick and easy YouTube tutorials. Thanks to the Internet and Pinterest, nearly anything can be given a fast little update!

6. Consider Living at Home

If you’re going to college close to home, consider living at home. That expense alone could save you tens of thousands of dollars. Some people worry that you may not get the right college experience, but is spending tens of thousands really worth “the college experience”?

7. Apply for Scholarships

Do some digging online. You may just be surprised by the amount of scholarships out there that very few people know about. Whether your church offers a few, your township or city, or something else entirely, you should be able to get a few scholarships if you look hard enough.

What are your tried-and-true methods for saving money in college? I want to hear your best tips in the comments!

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

For 4 look to see if there is an ebook for textbooks and ask the prof if the book is required in class. For 6, my suggestion is to live with your parents at first for year 1. Then move when ready to transfer move to a university/ college away from home. My experience is that with a community college without residence students stay with their high school buddies, if you are a bit introverted or didn't have any then its tricky. Now I am a few years older I plan to move away from home to a college on the East side of the country to become more independent then I was before with more friends and not needing to worry about family. Though Rebecca, I think your situation is unique and not many people have to deal with it.

If you can, do your first two years at a university linked college. I know so many people who are doing this, myself included. It can save you 10k depending on the school you're going to. Plus you get smaller classes and the same level of education.

I have to rent for uni amd its actually cheaper for me to rent away from campus and then drive in. So always compare options!

My parents didn't even let me stay with them to finish out high school. Because I have so many brothers and sisters, there was no room or money for me to keep living with them. I am now 18, I live in an apartment next to my university, and I have a 4.0. My advice is, don't be afraid to take out loans, but don't go crazy with your loan money either. It's better to have money to fall back on in case of emergencies instead of worrying if you will be able to pay your bills every month.

Theres only 6 tips. The author skipped over #1

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