Ten Money Saving Tips for College Students

I'm currently in my third year as an undergraduate student at a large private university in Chicago, and one of the biggest challenges I face everyday is saving money. Although I have a job and make a decent wage, there are still a lot of things out there that really cut back on the funds. After two years of earning and spending money, I learned a thing or two about decreasing the latter. Among the many wonderful things you learn in college, money saving will be one of them. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Buy textbooks online - This is becoming a popular practice nowadays as most campus bookstores charge ridiculous prices in order to earn a profit on textbooks. Be cautious, however, as some online marketplaces such as eBay take a long time to deliver, so if you need the book right away… it may not come until it's too late. Some students wait until going to their first class before deciding whether or not they need the book that is required. However, the most expensive books will be MUCH cheaper if you order them online and in advance. You'll be thankful after you save $100 on a textbook that you will probably never end up using anyway!

2. Apartments - If you're going to an urban school that charges a lot for on campus housing, consider living in an apartment (after at least one year in campus housing) and sharing it with roommates. In some college towns, it's actually cheaper to live in an apartment, while splitting up the bills/costs with other roommates.

3. Meal plans - If your University requires you to have a meal plan, try your best to lower it as much as possible. While cafeteria food is convenient, you'll probably get sick of it very quickly and want to start learning how to cook your own. Going grocery shopping each week and preparing your own meals is MUCH cheaper than going to the cafeteria. It's not unusual for a school to charge very high prices for mediocre food… and the options are limited.

4. Go generic - When grocery shopping, buy all the generic brands. If there are particular brands you can't live without, that's fine… but do you seriously need that bottle of ketchup that costs $1.49 extra? Usually the store-named brands are the cheapest. For about 90% of the products you buy, the cheapest brand will taste just the same and is often times healthier.

5. Free printing - Get a job or find somewhere that has a free-to-use printer. It sounds ridiculous, but you'll be surprised how much you can save on printer ink and paper when you print the majority of your schoolwork using the printers at work.

6. Borrow - (for extended periods of time *wink*) things like napkins, spoons, forks, and cups from the school cafeteria or local restaurants. NOTE: This is joke! Do not actually do this! *wink* *wink* **nudge* Shame on you!

7. Try to avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs with service fees. Some have fees as high as $3.50 plus a $1 bank charge. If you make a lot of cash withdrawals, this adds up very quickly.

8. Go to as many workshops, club meetings, and campus events as you can. Not only will you meet new people, but you will find out the reason 50% of college students actually go to these events… FREE FOOD! Even the hosts of these events know this and that's why they offer it. If your club or organization orders take out and has leftovers, volunteer to "clean up" the leftovers and take them back to your dorm room for a snack later on.

9. If you live in an area with not-so-fresh water, buy a Brita water filter with a jug. The filter, at MOST, will cost about $9 with tax. It lasts about 2 months if 3-4 people are using it constantly. This is a lot cheaper/lighter than buying huge packs of water bottles. You will also never run out of water, since all you have to do is refill it. It also takes up a lot less room in the fridge. No, I don't work for Brita. Oh, did I mention drinking water is one of the healthiest things you can do to your body?

Ok, just nine for now (I'm trying to cut back on costs…. Hahaha… get it??)

Hopefully this list has given you some ideas on how to save some extra dough. Remember, knowledge is powerful… and it saves you a lot of money. Now go buy that new tech toy you've been