How to save money in college.
There are many ways that college students can save money. Note only will many low-income, minority, and other disadvantaged students often be qualified to receive government assistance, scholarships, and grants, but there are other resources as well. Find how to save money in college quickly and easily.
In addition to financial aid from the government or school, college students can save money fast in other ways as well. Find some of the best ways to cut back, save money, and get ahead, whether the student is at a community college, technical school, or any other educational institution.
Any funds or scholarship money is usually disbursed on a lengthy schedule, and as a college student, you may find yourself with expenses such as paying for textbooks, food, housing cost, transportation, buying a computer or tablet and other expenses. Below are some best ways of making and saving money in college. Instead of taking out additional loans or accumulating additional loans, these suggestions will help you to graduate debt-free and save money.
Save money on electronics needed in college
Free computers, laptops, or tablets for college students: It is costly to buy electronics for school, whether a laptop, tablet or something else. There are government programs as well as non-profits that give college students either free or low cost electronics as well as programs such as Lifeline and others. Generally mobile devices such as laptops or tablets are given away, and look here for a free tablet.
High Speed Internet: Non-profits, companies such as T Mobile and Comcast-Xfinity and the government all offer free internet programs for students, including college students. This can cover distance learning or be for home use during breaks or the summer. The programs provide cable internet, Wi-Fi hotspots and other options, and look here for free home internet for students.
How to save money on college textbooks
Textbooks: According to College Board, an average college student spends more than $1,200 on textbooks and supplies for an academic school year. Below are some suggestions to make and save money on textbooks in college.
Research and register for classes early: Spend time going over the expectations of a class and professor. This will allow you to research your course materials and adjust your schedule if the textbook prices are too high. Some professors may require textbooks and some may provide reading materials for the same course. Ask other people that have taken the class or ask a student advisor, or read the description of the class.
Registering for your classes early will allow you to purchase your textbooks on-time and to avoid spending hundreds of dollars in your campus bookstore. You will also have an advantage of getting in-stock textbooks at the best price. Since there will be a demand for last-minute textbooks, you can also make copies of your reading material and sell to other students or charge hourly to rent it.
Digital Version of Textbooks: As a college student, you are already used to reading and texting on your smartphone or tablet. Etextbooks are available on all electronic devices, and it is very easy to highlight, search and find information in them instead of flipping through pages in traditional textbooks.
Etextbooks are very portable to carry around. In other words, you won't have to worry about forgetting your textbook at home and it cost about 40-50% less than traditional books. However, not all classes are available in electronic format, and some professors may not allow technology usage in the classroom. This is what the research (in the step above) will help you determine.
Use the College Library to save money: Register for your courses early to ensure you get a copy of your textbook. Some material might be on "reserved" due to high demand and can only be borrowed for up to 2 hours inside the library. In this case, you can make copies or take pictures with your iPad or smartphone. This will save you money on renting and buying textbooks.
Textbook Sharing: If your course requires a specific version of a textbook that cannot be rented or purchase used, you can split the cost with other classmates. For instance, if the price of a book is $200, you can divide the price with four other classmates.
This situation can be favorable since students have different work and study schedules. Another textbook sharing option would be to have study groups before or after class, where everyone can ask questions, share their opinions, use the material as well as complete assignments together, which will save time and money.
Along with sharing textbooks is the ability to sell notes, essays, and study material. it is possible for one student to sell those items to another so that they can earn some money and also help another learn as well as save money. Read more about college student selling notes for cash.
Textbook rentals for college students: There are hundreds of textbook rental companies on the internet. Renting them allow you to save 30%-90% on the annual textbook cost instead of buying at full price.
Chegg and Amazon are rated as the best rental sites with positive student reviews. Both companies offer a digital version of textbooks. Free two-shipping is included in Amazon student membership, and Chegg provides a free online copy of your book until your hard copy is shipped and received.
Save money on living expenses
While college can be a worthwhile investment, it can be costly to attend if you are a low-income student. With scholarships, grants, and loans, the vast majority of college students still find it challenging to pay their way through college. It is estimated that college tuition has doubled since the 1980s and there is an increase in demand for higher education since 1985. Not to mention clothes and other school supplies that are needed for college students. Find tips on where to get free back to school clothes.
A college has become the core of the "American Dream", since it open opportunities to get a stable high paying job, becoming a homeowner and raising a family. But the cost has gone up very rapidly, so it is not always as easy as it seems.
It can be challenging for low-income working students who are pursuing a bachelors degree to pay for non-tuition expenses such as food, housing, transportation, entertainment, and other personal expenses. Working long hours can put a physical and emotional strain on low-income students who are trying to manage demanding course loads and completing their degree at the same rate as their higher income peers.
Many low-income and minority students are faced with financial hardship and making critical decisions during college. Below are some helpful ways to help you make and save money in college.
Economical Lifestyle: Many college students are excited about freedom and responsibility in college and it is often a time to make smart decisions about your finances, health, and education. As a college student, you will be exposed to many things like excessive drinking, partying, smoking and shopping. These things often cost money and can be expensive.
It is important to make smart lifestyle choices in college to save money. Alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, and daily Starbucks coffee can add up and can put a strain on your college income as well as monthly budget.
Cooking At Home: It is quick and convenient to go out for lunch or dinner and you might spend at least $15-20 on a meal. This can easily add up to over $100 per week.
As a college student, you can save alot of money by cooking at home, in your dorm room, or even a friend’s place. Consider buying your groceries in bulk. According to various research, buying bulk food can save you up to 15%, compared to packaged foods. There are many healthy foods you can buy in bulk such as pasta, canned fish and rice. Or look for a free food bank or pantry for groceries, and find how to get free food.
As a college student, frozen foods can also save you money since it can be refrigerated for a long time. Research also shows that buying frozen foods can save you up to $400 per month, but of course that amount is for an entire family! There are many foods that are available in frozen form, such as desserts, meal boxes, fruits, vegetables, entrees, and many others, and the availability of healthier frozen options has never been greater.
College Student Free Discounts: Many local businesses and stores offer discounts to college students. You can receive technology discount from Apple, Microsoft, and Dell. For student discount on clothing, you can try Levi's, J.Crew and Banana Republic. There are also free phones for college students from companies, including Apple, Samsung, and Google. Look here for government phone for free.
Car insurance companies like Geico and State Farm also offer up to 25% off coverage for students under 25 years old. In addition to that, many music venues, theaters, and museum offer a student discount on admission tickets. Search around for any deals targeted at college students.
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