Easy Ways to Save in College

Dorm furniture.

Simple storage is all you need. Before school starts, don't run out and buy every clothing organizer, storage bin, futon, or other pricey dorm room equipment. Keep it simple. In reality, you don't really need that _________ (fill in the blank) to go along with your ________ (fill in the blank). First, check out your living corridors before you actually move-in. Then, you will know what you actually need and what you don't.

Bonus: If there are several items on your list that go over your budget, ask friends and family if you would be able to borrow an item or two. Just make sure to bring it back to them in the same condition you got it in.

Extra Bonus: Rummage and yard sales are also great places to find dorm furniture at bargain prices.

Dining dollars.

Save dining dollars by eating in. You don't have to do that every day, but don't get accustomed to ordering a XL pizza and breadsticks, Chinese carryout, or a super-sized value meal always for dinner.

Hold a potluck. Get together with friends on your floor and host a weekly (or monthly) dinner. Have everyone make a dish to pass. That way, you get a delicious meal not only made by your colleagues, but made to save you money.

If you have a meal plan, make sure to use it. If you're not hungry at a specific time, grab a snack or meal to go that you can store in your backpack or fridge and eat later.

Bonus: If the local eats are calling your name during the week, look at daily deals and specials. Check out restaurants online and search for coupons and discounts. If you have a favorite place you go out regularly to, see if they have a rewards card for returning customers. That way, you won't have to pay for your lunch the next time you go out.

The miscellaneous.

Besides reducing room and board expenses, here are some ways to cut costs on college living.

Skip the scooter and ride the bus. Most universities offer reduced or free bus passes to students on campus. Make sure to check out arriving and departure times so you're not late to class!

Get involved. Join a club or student organization or be a part of their events. If there's a study session night with free food, be sure to attend. Not only do you save money on meals, but you also can meet new people and get better grades.

Ugh, textbooks. If you are one of those students whose gets stuck with a grocery list of books for the semester, here's my advice. Search around. There's no fee to check out all of your options on where to buy. Most university bookstores buyback textbooks that are in good condition and that are being used in the following semester. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other textbook retailers also offer trade-in programs where you can receive cash back or a giftcard to use on future textbook purchases. Otherwise, ask around-there are always students on campus looking for textbooks to buy and sell, or even swap.

And that goes for sporting event tickets too. Student tickets are easy to find on campus. Save money by not becoming a season ticket holder. You don't have to go to all the games, even if you're a diehard fan (unless the team really needs your presence). That way, you don't have to worry about selling your seat if you can't make it to a game during the week.