Study and Save: Six Creative Ways to Save for School
As the cost of tuition keeps rising, it’s becoming more and more difficult for college students to pay for their education. Going thousands of dollars into debt may feel like the only option. There are, however, lots of creative ways for students to save money while attending school.
1 Search for deals on books
College bookstores tend to textbooks for the most expensive price, so you’ll have better luck searching online for good deals. If you’re only going to be using a book for a few weeks, check to see if the college or local library has a copy. At the end of the semester, remember to sell back any unneeded books. Again, you can probably make more money selling your books online than at your school book store. Check out websites such as Amazon or Chegg or other online realtors to get yourself the best deal on textbooks.
2 Do Odd Jobs
If you don’t have time for a full or part-time job, or you need extra cash outside your job, find odd jobs that allow you to earn money with your skills. Offering tutoring services can be a great way to bring in cash while on campus. Babysitting, dog walking, and lawn mowing are all jobs you can do in your spare time. Check your school’s job board or site to see what opportunities may be available. Sometimes, you may have to set pride aside, but no job is beneath you when you are working for your education.
3 Budget for food wisely
Although buying a campus meal plan or eating out a lot may seem like the easiest option, preparing your own food costs less. Even if you decide to eat most meals at the dining hall, other essentials, like snacks, sodas, and bottled water are cheaper when purchased in bulk at the grocery stores rather than convenience stores or vending machine. Check out different markets for the best deals, and don’t be afraid to use coupons. Don’t eat out more than one or two meals a week, or less if you can help it. Budget your food costs wisely.
4 Live at home or with relatives
As a college student, you might cherish the idea of being on your own for the first time, but choosing a college in the local area can save you thousands of dollars each year on room and board. If you have relatives in another state that would allow you to live with them for free, check out colleges in that area as well. Save as much as you can on room and board and put that money towards your classes and credits.
5 Sell Plasma
Selling your plasma or blood at a research center is a quick and easy way to earn some extra cash. As long as you go to a reputable lab and follow rules and regulations, this is very safe. Many colleges and universities also conduct research studies that will pay you for your time. Be on the lookout for fliers around campus.
6 Save on transportation
Most schools offer free shuttle bus services to students, and carpooling with your friends is another great way to save on gas money. Walking or riding a bike will also cut down on your need to use your car, and may allow you to go without a car at all. As fun as it is to imagine spring break road trips, it may work better financially if you sell your car. You can put the money towards your education and you save on repairs, insurance, and gas money. Once you realize how much your car is actually costing you, you may realize how much better it would be to go without.
The initial bill from school can be beyond overwhelming. Although it may be seem impossible to save enough money for all your expenses, a little creativity and planning can go a long way. The promising future you earn at school will be well worth your time.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about personal finance and spending time with her dog, Max. Information credited to New Jersey Institute of Technology Masters in Database Ddministration.
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Category: College
