03.09.10 | How to save a small fortune in college
Let’s face it, college life can get pricey, and I’m not even talking about tuition costs. Every day, students from coast to coast throw their money away because (a) they’re lazy, (b) they don’t know any better, or (c) both. What many students don’t realize is that some of the biggest costs in college can be easily avoided if you’re willing to be a bit resourceful.
If you have a meal plan, use it. Those meals are already paid for, and can save you big over grabbing a slice of pizza and a soda every night. When I was a student at Northeastern University, the cost of my plan came out to $9 per meal. At the end of one semester, I had twelve meals left over that didn’t carry over to the following year. That’s $108 down the drain.
Pay your credit cards on time. Credit card companies are notorious about late fees or other penalties for missed payments. Not only can this adversely affect your credit score later in life, it’s extra money you have to pay out of pocket. Here’s a tip: if you credit card offers online bill pay and automatic payments (and most do), set it up.
Set up overdraft protection on your checking account. Once in college, I accidentally overdrew on my checking account, and didn’t realize until the next day. During that day, I purchased a cup of coffee, a burger and fries, and a magazine despite having less than a dollar in my account. Total cost of those items? $12. Total cost after overdraft fees? Nearly $200. The coffee wasn’t even that great.
Buy your books online. It amazes me how many people still use the school bookstore to buy their books for class. You’re throwing your money away! Worse, those book buybacks at the end of the semester will give you only about 10-15% of what you paid for the book initially. While you probably won’t find every book you need for class, always check sites such as Amazon or Half.com to see if they have a used copy you can buy for cheap. You could save hundreds of dollars.
ScholarshipPoints Code: FORTUNE0310
The Student Credit Blog is sponsored in part by:
It is always beneficial to explore.
June 26th, 2010 | #
Very helpful info! I agree that you will save more money by buying your books online.
June 16th, 2010 | #
awesome! i was especially worried about buying all those books. didnt know you could buy them online. it was a great advice!
April 21st, 2010 | #
Awesome advice about not using college bookstores. The bookstore at my college isn't even a part of the school, they just rent the building. These bookstores just want money. Purchasing books online is the best option.
April 13th, 2010 | #
Great advise. Looking forward to campus life and need all the money saving tips I can get in my pocket
April 7th, 2010 | #
I was just trying to convice a friend it is totally possible to save while in college. this article totally backed me up. The advice about the books is really helpful!
April 5th, 2010 | #
Never knew that a meal plan cost so much and how much money was wasted when not used.
April 5th, 2010 | #
good info!
April 3rd, 2010 | #
Yep, buying books online is the way to go. My mom is in graduate school and does it all the time.
April 1st, 2010 | #
you're right it is
March 31st, 2010 | #
wow …. How helpful I wish more people knew about these imformation very helpful
March 31st, 2010 | #
good info
March 30th, 2010 | #
good stuff
March 29th, 2010 | #
Great tips! Thanks.
March 27th, 2010 | #
very helpful!
March 24th, 2010 | #
this was helpful : ) thanks!
March 24th, 2010 | #
I THINK THIS IS REALLY HELPFUL
March 24th, 2010 | #
I’m totally agreeing with the point that is better baying books online rather than in school bookstore.
March 24th, 2010 | #
sounds like a plan!
March 24th, 2010 | #
I saved money by buying books online. Also, you can rent books out. I have a friend who save over $150 by renting her books this semester.
March 23rd, 2010 | #
really good
March 23rd, 2010 | #
so true!
March 22nd, 2010 | #
That is a very good idea. I will definitely save lots of money this way.
March 22nd, 2010 | #
Helpful Thanks.
March 22nd, 2010 | #
yeah buying book online is a must! My sis has been doing it for 2 years and it saves a lot of money
March 21st, 2010 | #
These tips are very helpfull thank you!
March 21st, 2010 | #
thank you so much ! now i won't be like everybody else !
March 20th, 2010 | #
thanks! this was helpful
March 20th, 2010 | #
IT is amazing when someone actually tallies up the small amount that can just be ignored
March 20th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the tips, very helpful!
March 19th, 2010 | #
thanks, great tips!
March 18th, 2010 | #
I think that credit cards are what is sending america into debt and if they were never invented the world would have been better off.
March 17th, 2010 | #
very interesting
March 16th, 2010 | #
Very informative but a little common sense.
I would be sure to buy my books anywhere cheaper!
Thanks!
March 16th, 2010 | #
Great info. I will definitely use this information.
March 14th, 2010 | #
Great Tips For College.
March 14th, 2010 | #
i have saved hundreds, in one semester. quite delighted!
March 14th, 2010 | #
Thank you very much for the piece. It could be very helpful
March 13th, 2010 | #
Wow! I have just learned these information in my Personal Finance Business Class and from my dad.
However, seeing these tips in steps really organize my thoughts on how to save… Thank you.
March 13th, 2010 | #
great idea
March 12th, 2010 | #
I agree with this. I am currently a senior at my school. The first time i bought my books at my school bookstore, my dad paid almost $500 for just one semester. After that, i started buying online from amazon or ebay, and now the most i spend on my textbook per semester is around $200. Another thing, when i want to sell my textbooks, sometimes i sell them to the bookstore the same price i bought it. See the difference, and sometimes my friends give me their textbooks for the classes i need.
March 12th, 2010 | #
very helpful!
March 12th, 2010 | #
Re: books – get to know other students taking the classes you will be taking the next semester & ask to purchase theirs – as long as the college does not upgrade to the next version – gotta watch that. Most only buy new at the beginning of the school year – but still you gotta watch it.
Or do as I've done – plan ahead – I've purchased from ebay and Amazon – just check dates to be sent & you may need to pay more to get sooner.
But for some – it is better to just buy from the college bookstore.
AND – make certain you use your meal plan – the meals are paid for!! Any extra $$ you have can be spent on other 'stuff'' – not your meals!
Be responsible – and that goes for your studying, attending classes, etc.
March 11th, 2010 | #
yeah, useful tips. in a way im scared of attending a four year and thinking a community college. but its worth the risk for my study
March 12th, 2010 | #
I will really put this concept when i go to college try and save some money
March 12th, 2010 | #
i will have every thing in mind know that i am a few months away from entering college
March 11th, 2010 | #
I will have every thing in mind now that i am a few months away from satrting college thanks
March 11th, 2010 | #
this was very helpful information. i will for sure be using the tips.
March 11th, 2010 | #
These tips were good though I was hoping for a few more.
March 11th, 2010 | #
I try to save but I can't it seems something always comes up and i need to put the small amount of money i saved toward an uexpected expence
March 11th, 2010 | #
I have a question about the school bookstore. My school is very generous with grants and really works for the student. I purchase from the bookstore to support my school, because they give back so much to the student. Would the difference financially still be worth me purchasing books online if I have a reason tied to why I purchase from the school bookstore?
March 11th, 2010 | #
I use my mean plan wisely and it is a great thing to have when living on campus!!!
March 11th, 2010 | #
About the books is so true. The first semester I paid 250 for math book. Then I thye tried to paid me 50 for it.
For the next semester i did not buy the book there anymore 
March 11th, 2010 | #
i know so many people that don't use their meal plan and it doesn't carry over
March 11th, 2010 | #
As much as I like Half.com, it's a slightly unreliable service due to the proccessing. As soon as I found out what books I needed for the semester and ordered them, I had to wait a month on one – I needed that book a month before I received it!
March 11th, 2010 | #
Thanls for the tips I really appreciate it. I will try not to spen much anymore and put in more money into my savings account
March 11th, 2010 | #
thanks alot!
March 11th, 2010 | #
This is a great idea. Half.com also is an excellent resource to reduce how much you have to pay on books each semester. I usually saved close to $300 per semester using that service.
March 10th, 2010 | #
Another way to save money on books is to check them out from the library or borrow from students who have previously taken the class. My husband is in grad school and we haven't spent a dime on books for him because he has checked them all out from the library or borrowed them.
March 10th, 2010 | #