19 Ways to Save Money in College

Saving money really isn't as difficult as it may seem at first. It's about planning and being aware of how much you are spending to begin with. Here are a couple tips that will help you keep some of that money in your pocket.

1. Book swaps

Instead of trying to sell books and buy different ones later, how about participating in a book swap? Book Mooch is one those sites, along with Book Crossing and Paperback Swap. These sites generally run on a point system, and you get points to get new books by sending out books to others. All you have to pay for is the shipping to send out the books that are getting rid of, and sending them through media mail isn't as expensive as buying a brand new book.

2. Sell Textbooks

Once you are done with a textbook that you don't want to keep, sell it! If you want to get money for it instead of swapping for something of lesser value, selling it is the best option.

3. Buy Used Textbooks

If you can't find a textbook available to get through a swap, try to buy some used ones cheap. Searching online is the best way to find good deals on used textbooks. Searching places like Ebay and Amazon is a good way to get started.

4. City and College Library

Instead of paying money to buy books, go to the library! Not only is the college library available to you, there are also city and country libraries at your disposal. The book you're looking for must be at one of these libraries!

5. Buy With Cash, Not Credit

When you buy with credit, you're less likely to keep track of what you're really spending. Also, be sure to keep receipts if you are keeping a budget, so you can refer to them when putting in your numbers.

6. Shop at Flea Markets

The flea markets offer great deals. There are clothes, books, movies, and furniture at flea markets, and although a lot of it is second-hand, there are still great deals if you're on a budget.

7. Shop at Yard Sales

Like flea markets, yard sales offer a variety of items. By buying second-hand books and movies, you can save more than half the cost. Many are willing to sell boxes of books at a flat rate if you just ask.

8. Use a Savings Account

For years I told myself I would start saving money at home and that I didn't need a bank account. I eventually caved because I realized that when I have access to money, I spend it. Having a savings account keeps me in line.

9. Beware of ATM Fees

When you use an ATM that isn't for your bank, or even the ones at events or other locations, you are typically charged a fee. The fee can range from $1.50 and up, so even if you have to walk further across the campus to get to your bank's ATM, you're saving some cash.

10. Bike, Scooter, Skateboard

Find another means of transportation. If you generally drive across campus to get to your class that's far from your dorm, maybe riding a bike would get you there. Saving even just a small amount of gas each day could amount to something much bigger later.

11. Find Cheap Fun

Find something cheap to do in your spare time. If you are near either the beach or the mountains, perhaps hiking or swimming are two activities you can look forward too.

12. Free Gym

Most colleges offer a free gym service to their students. Instead of paying for gym membership somewhere else, you can save money if you settle for the school. Who knows, they may have even more to offer than your local paid gym.

13. Free Movies

Some colleges have free movie night for students with a valid ID card. Going to events like this saves money because you don't have to leave campus to see a movie, first of all, and because you don't have to pay for tickets!

14. Magazines and Catalogs

If you subscribe to a magazine you are saving a lot more money than if you buy them individually at a newsstand. Just make sure you subscribe to ones that you will read!

15. Eat in

It's nice to have the option of going to get fast food now that you're independent, but if you really want to save some cash, you may have to suck it up and eat at your college's dining hall.

16. Coffee at Home

I love Starbucks, but I have to keep myself in check sometimes. As much as I might be craving a frappucino or a latte, I'm saving about $3 a day by making a pot of coffee at home.

17. Tap Water

As much as you may love the taste of bottled water and loathe the taste of tap water, you have to admit that sometimes buying a bottle of water just isn't worth it when tap water is so readily available.

18. Keep coins

I keep my coins in separate containers, and I never spend them. Instead, I cash them in once every few months at a Coinstar machine in a grocery store. I keep quarters to use for laundry or trips to the snack machine. Pennies, nickels, and dimes are kept in a bucket to get cashed in.

19. Free Samples

Free samples are a great way to try new things for free. Even if you can get in on a test group, you get something for free and all you need to do is fill out a survey and let them know how you feel about it!