Rent or borrow used textbooks- Besides room and board, textbooks are a major college expense that hits most students’ pockets hard. Buying brand new textbooks each semester can cost hundreds of dollars and become financially draining by the end of the year. Websites such as chegg.com and bookrenter.com give students an affordable alternative to help avoid high costs in college bookstores.
Research your major- At some point, most college students decide to change their major. This often results in having to take more courses and ultimately means more years spent paying tuition. Before choosing a major, research its future career potential. Is this something you could see yourself doing ten years from now? Asking this could save you from paying off long-term college loans.
Avoid credit cards- By the time most people enter college, they have been offered dozens of credit card options. Credit cards can be a good way to build credit, however, most college students are not financially stable yet and can find themselves falling into more debt.
Open a savings account- This is a great way of keeping track of your personal funds. Also, having a savings account keeps your money safe and helps avoid the impulsive spending that comes with carrying cash.
Get a part-time job- Part-time jobs are a great way to make extra cash and potentially network with the campus. Cafeterias, bookstores and administrative offices allow students to make money and meet peers and professors who can help them adjust to college life.
Ride a bike- A major benefit of most college campuses is the fact that mostly everything is nearby. Choosing to ride a bike can save money spent on gas, insurance and constant car expenses. It can also help you avoid the headache of trying to find a parking space five minutes before class! n