Back to College Savings Tips!

After the holidays and winter break, most college students are getting ready to head back to campus for our next semester. And most of us spent a lot of money on break, so we are looking for ways to save some cash. Here are some helpful tips!

-Don't buy your books on campus

Many places have them for cheaper, and used, online. Abe Books has a great selection of textbooks for 50-75% cheaper than your local campus bookstore. Half.com is also another good option. Plus, when you shop of Half.com you can see seller's ratings, since it is a sister company of Ebay. That way you know you are getting a good deal from a reliable seller. Also try Amazon. The key to getting the right book online is checking with used sellers to make sure they have the edition you are looking for. You might end up with the wrong book if you don't check the edition number on any site you buy from.

-Book your traveling online

Try a website like Student Universe to get your tickets for cheaper. Greyhound also offers discounts for traveling students. Also try Sta Travel. Always ask when you are booking anywhere if they offer student discounts! Some places offer them, but don't advertise them!

-Get a student advantage card

Get a Student Advantage Card. You can try it free for 30 days, and they have a full list of retailer discounts. You can save 5% at Barnes and Noble, 10% if you are shopping online with Target, and 15% on Amtrak fares. You can also use this card with Greyhound for their student discount. Take a look at the retailer list, and see if getting this card could save you some money.

-Buy your Apple products for cheaper

Go to Apple Store and click on college or university student. Find your school and click through to shop. Here is the breakdown of how you can use the Apple student discount:

1. Desktop: One (1) may be purchased per academic year

2. Mac mini: One (1) may be purchased per academic year

3. Notebook: One (1) may be purchased per academic year

4. Display: A maximum of two (2) may be purchased per academic year

5. Software: A maximum of two (2) per software title may be purchased per academic year

6. Apple TV: There is no limit on the quantity of Apple TV purchases per academic year

7. iPod: There is no limit on the quantity of iPod purchases per academic year

-Save on software and hardware for your computer

There are several sites online that let you get software for cheaper. Try Student Discounts or Gradware. Campus Tech offers both hardware and software. You can get anything from flash drives to Photoshop there.

-Check around your campus

Most campuses have their own student discount cards to save money in the bookstore, cafeteria, and at local businesses like salons. Also, check the bulletin boards on campus for savings on books and other used items. You'd be surprised what other people are selling on the boards for great prices!