Hittin' the Books on the Cheap

Going to college can mean drowning in papers, academic and financial. But with some smart money-saving moves, you'll be able to focus more on the former and reduce the latter.

1. Textbooks - Find out which textbooks are mandatory, as some instructors will include books on the reading list that are never discussed. If your college bookstore sells used textbooks, buy them as soon as you know which ones you need, or they might sell out. Other options for locating used books are bulletin boards at school or online. Once the course is over, sell books you don't want right away, since new editions may mean that the bookstore won't accept your old version. I had several textbooks that I held on to after my first degree. When I decided to get rid of them, the used bookstore wouldn't accept my texts, so I sold some at a regular used bookstore. I donated some of the others to the university and received a plump income tax receipt.
   
   

If your textbook is not for sale used and the course is a short one, is the text available at the library? If not, try www.amazon.com. But, before purchasing online, find out how long the textbook will take to be delivered. When you do buy new textbooks, refrain from marking them up to increase the chances of selling it. Take full advantage of library privileges to keep costs down on magazines, newspaper, books, movies, CDs and DVDs.

2. Discounts & Freebies ­ Attend a student orientation to familiarize yourself with the campus, its facilities and services. At the college I attended, I could use the work-out room, indoor running track, skating rink and swimming pool for free. Classes from martial arts to ballroom dancing were offered at reasonable rates. Other free services included career counseling, concerts ranging from classical to African, as well as presentations by leaders in the field. A great budget travel agency, TravelCuts (www.travelcuts.com), is on several campuses across Canada and the U.S., and caters to all travelers. Any time you go to the movies, museums, art galleries, plays or festivals, always have your student I.D. card with you and ask if they have student prices.
   
   
3. Food & Beverage ­ Campus restaurants can take a bite out of your wallet. Get in the habit of bringing your own lunch, snacks and a refillable water bottle. If you do need to eat out, familiarize yourself with which establishments offer lunch and dinner specials. Kicking the caffeine habit can net you big bucks. If you cut your coffee intake from one java a day to one every three days, with a coffee being $4, you'd save over $1000 a year.
   
   
4. Transportation - If you live too far to walk to school, is riding your bicycle possible? I first dismissed this idea, thinking the ride would be too time-consuming. But, once I figured out the shortcuts, I saved a bundle on bus fare, got great exercise and arrived at school faster than if I'd have taken the bus!
   
   

When it snowed, I figured out where the free parking spots were near campus and walked from my car. See if someone who lives on campus would be willing to have you park in his or her driveway for free or at a reasonable rate. Online classes are another cost-saving measure.

5. Accommodation - If you moved closer to campus, would you be saving on transportation costs? Go to your college's website and look into student housing on campus or on-line bulletin boards listing students looking for roommates. Another option is to see if anyone, such as a college professor, needs a house sitter for a semester.

Drowning in papers is a reality of college. But keeping a tight rein on your expenses will help you to stay afloat and maximize your learning experience.

Andrea Hodgins, BA, B.Ed. is a freelance writer whose love for travel has given her an education in keeping costs down.

Take the Next Step

• Find out if your college offers used text books. Be sure to pick them up quickly!
• Be proud to show that student ID - use it for all the discounts you can so you can save money.
• Take a bite out of eating out and learn to make Lunches to Love.
• Scholarships aren't just for freshmen. Find free money for college or an advanced degree. Search now!

Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here

Do you need more information on this topic? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips@stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

If you liked this article, sign up for our free eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times. Just enter your email address in the box below and click Subscribe.

Follow The Dollar Stretcher on Twitter.