College Tips: Christmas Shopping

If you thought Christmas shopping was stressful in high school, it can be a lot worse in college. You don't have a lot of time, with finals coming up. If you live on a suburban or rural campus, it may be hard to get out to the right stores unless you have your own car. Then there's the hassle of getting all those gifts home!

If you wait until you get home to do your shopping, you won't have a lot of time, and the stores will be packed with last-minute shoppers like yourself. It's best to do your shopping while you're on campus, and if you do, your parents will commend you for being so responsible!

1) Do as much as you can online. This will save you lots of time - time that you may want to spend partying, doing homework, or studying for exams if you have them before the holidays.

2) If you have a Student Advantage card, check the website for opportunities to save money during your shopping. Saving money is always good, no matter how old you are!

3) If you're a member of a rewards program like Amtrak Rewards, be on the lookout for opportunities to earn rewards points.

4) Have your online purchases sent directly to your house. This way you won't have to worry about whether they'll get to you before you leave campus, and you won't have to haul it home with you. You also won't be struggling to find storage space for all the gifts. Don't worry about your family seeing the boxes, chances are they still won't be able to tell which packages are for them, and they won't know what's inside them either.

5) Have a budget. Before you start, decide on how much you plan on spending total, and how much you plan on spending for each person. It's okay to go over by a few dollars, especially if it's for a gift you know will mean a lot to someone.

6) If you do buy some presents while you're on campus, consider wrapping them before you go home. It's a great way to take a study break; it's both relaxing and productive!

7) Don't forget about your own list! Keep in touch with your parents, e-mail them your wish list, and let them know if you think of anything to add. If you're stumped, think of things that might make college life more useful.