Difference between revisions of "Make Money as a College Student"
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#Apply for new scholarships and grants. A lot of students think that they are only eligible for funding when they initially apply for admission. This is a mistake! There are often new scholarship opportunities for upperclassmen, though they aren't always widely advertised. You may also be able to apply for external scholarships or grants, which are offered from groups outside of your school. | #Apply for new scholarships and grants. A lot of students think that they are only eligible for funding when they initially apply for admission. This is a mistake! There are often new scholarship opportunities for upperclassmen, though they aren't always widely advertised. You may also be able to apply for external scholarships or grants, which are offered from groups outside of your school. | ||
#*Begin by scoping out bulletin boards on campus and paying careful attention to email announcements. | #*Begin by scoping out bulletin boards on campus and paying careful attention to email announcements. | ||
| − | #*You can also search online for new funding opportunities, and there are apps that you can download for free (or for very little, such as the app Scholly, available for just $.99) that can help you tailor your search.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/annefield/2014/02/14/an-app-to-help-students-get-free-money-for-college/</ref> | + | #*You can also search online for new funding opportunities, and there are apps that you can download for free (or for very little, such as the app Scholly, available for just $.99) that can help you tailor your search.<ref name="rf1">http://www.forbes.com/sites/annefield/2014/02/14/an-app-to-help-students-get-free-money-for-college/</ref> |
#Offer your services as a tutor. One of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it. By becoming a tutor, you can hone your own knowledge of your field of study, perform a valuable service to others, and earn some needed cash—it's a win-win scenario for everyone involved! | #Offer your services as a tutor. One of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it. By becoming a tutor, you can hone your own knowledge of your field of study, perform a valuable service to others, and earn some needed cash—it's a win-win scenario for everyone involved! | ||
#*You can often get paid through your school to tutor other students in classes you have completed and done well in, or you can advertise your own services to your fellow classmates. | #*You can often get paid through your school to tutor other students in classes you have completed and done well in, or you can advertise your own services to your fellow classmates. | ||
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#Apply for work study. Even if you weren't awarded work study when you first applied to your school, you may be able to apply now. Make an appointment at the financial aid office to see if you can still apply (or reapply, if your financial situation has recently changed). | #Apply for work study. Even if you weren't awarded work study when you first applied to your school, you may be able to apply now. Make an appointment at the financial aid office to see if you can still apply (or reapply, if your financial situation has recently changed). | ||
#*There are all sorts of jobs available on campus, from working in the dining halls, to performing administrative work in academic departments, and even working at campus theaters, where you'll have access to free performances or movies! | #*There are all sorts of jobs available on campus, from working in the dining halls, to performing administrative work in academic departments, and even working at campus theaters, where you'll have access to free performances or movies! | ||
| − | #See if your college participates in the Federal Work Study Program. This program provides part-time work opportunities for students with financial aid, and guarantees that you'll be paid at least the federal minimum wage.<ref>https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/work-study</ref> | + | #See if your college participates in the Federal Work Study Program. This program provides part-time work opportunities for students with financial aid, and guarantees that you'll be paid at least the federal minimum wage.<ref name="rf2">https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/work-study</ref> |
| − | #*Whenever possible, the positions available are relevant to your area of study and are civic-minded, aimed to serve the public interest.<ref | + | #*Whenever possible, the positions available are relevant to your area of study and are civic-minded, aimed to serve the public interest.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Become an RA. If you live in the dorms, are an active participant in dorm and campus activities, have a good grade point average, and enjoy working with and counseling others, then becoming an RA (resident assistant) could be a great opportunity for you. | #Become an RA. If you live in the dorms, are an active participant in dorm and campus activities, have a good grade point average, and enjoy working with and counseling others, then becoming an RA (resident assistant) could be a great opportunity for you. | ||
| − | #*While you may not bring home an additional pay-check for being an RA, you'll usually get either free or greatly reduced room and board, which will then free up money for your other expenses. At some schools, though, you may receive a stipend as an RA.<ref>https://apps.carleton.edu/student/housing/staff/how_ra/faq/</ref> | + | #*While you may not bring home an additional pay-check for being an RA, you'll usually get either free or greatly reduced room and board, which will then free up money for your other expenses. At some schools, though, you may receive a stipend as an RA.<ref name="rf3">https://apps.carleton.edu/student/housing/staff/how_ra/faq/</ref> |
| − | #Become a guinea pig. Scope out bulletin boards on campus for advertisements looking for volunteers for psychology studies or medical experiments.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980305</ref> | + | #Become a guinea pig. Scope out bulletin boards on campus for advertisements looking for volunteers for psychology studies or medical experiments.<ref name="rf4">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980305</ref> |
| − | #*These usually pay a flat rate, though at some schools, you could make up to $20 an hour doing something as simple (and possibly as interesting!) as filling out questionnaires.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/fashion/college-students-find-creative-ways-to-make-money.html?_r=0</ref> | + | #*These usually pay a flat rate, though at some schools, you could make up to $20 an hour doing something as simple (and possibly as interesting!) as filling out questionnaires.<ref name="rf5">http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/fashion/college-students-find-creative-ways-to-make-money.html?_r=0</ref> |
| − | #Verify that the experiment is safe. Before you agree to participate, make sure that the experiment was approved by an Institutional Review Board or a Human Subjects Participant Program. This will help ensure that your rights and physical and mental well-being are protected.<ref>https://student.societyforscience.org/human-participants</ref> | + | #Verify that the experiment is safe. Before you agree to participate, make sure that the experiment was approved by an Institutional Review Board or a Human Subjects Participant Program. This will help ensure that your rights and physical and mental well-being are protected.<ref name="rf6">https://student.societyforscience.org/human-participants</ref> |
| − | #Look for off-campus research trials. If you can't find opportunities to participate in research on campus, go to the US Government's official clinical trial website to find legit trials in your area. You can also visit the webpages of local hospitals to see if they are looking for participants.<ref>http://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/articles/student-activities/easy-ways-college-students-earn-cash/</ref> | + | #Look for off-campus research trials. If you can't find opportunities to participate in research on campus, go to the US Government's official clinical trial website to find legit trials in your area. You can also visit the webpages of local hospitals to see if they are looking for participants.<ref name="rf7">http://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/articles/student-activities/easy-ways-college-students-earn-cash/</ref> |
#Sell your textbooks at the end of the term. One of your biggest expenses may be the cash you have to set aside for textbooks. You can usually get a good chunk of your money back at the end of the term by selling back your books. | #Sell your textbooks at the end of the term. One of your biggest expenses may be the cash you have to set aside for textbooks. You can usually get a good chunk of your money back at the end of the term by selling back your books. | ||
#*Campus bookstores will sometimes buy back books, but many campuses also allow independent companies to set up shop at the end of the term. You can also scope out used bookstores in the area to see if they buy used books. | #*Campus bookstores will sometimes buy back books, but many campuses also allow independent companies to set up shop at the end of the term. You can also scope out used bookstores in the area to see if they buy used books. | ||
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#*Post fliers with tantalizing pictures of your baked goods, or visit the library and other hot study spots at key points in the term, such as midterm and finals week. | #*Post fliers with tantalizing pictures of your baked goods, or visit the library and other hot study spots at key points in the term, such as midterm and finals week. | ||
#*If you're a night owl, then you're sure to find students on the prowl for a good snack in the wee hours of Friday and Saturday (or even Thursday, at some party schools!). If you decide to sell to the night crowd, though, it's a smart, safe move to work with a partner. | #*If you're a night owl, then you're sure to find students on the prowl for a good snack in the wee hours of Friday and Saturday (or even Thursday, at some party schools!). If you decide to sell to the night crowd, though, it's a smart, safe move to work with a partner. | ||
| − | #Set up a recycling center on your dorm room floor. If you live in a state which accepts bottle redemptions, you can make easy money by collecting and returning soda cans.<ref | + | #Set up a recycling center on your dorm room floor. If you live in a state which accepts bottle redemptions, you can make easy money by collecting and returning soda cans.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Consider making a small investment in a large plastic garbage bin, line it with a sturdy plastic bag, and decorate it with signs: “Place your used soda cans here!”. Place the bin outside your dorm, and then all you'll have to do is sort through it before bringing it to the redemption center. | #*Consider making a small investment in a large plastic garbage bin, line it with a sturdy plastic bag, and decorate it with signs: “Place your used soda cans here!”. Place the bin outside your dorm, and then all you'll have to do is sort through it before bringing it to the redemption center. | ||
#*Make sure that you aren't violating dorm policy by doing this. So long as it's allowed, you may also be able to go through any other recycling bins that are set up on campus. | #*Make sure that you aren't violating dorm policy by doing this. So long as it's allowed, you may also be able to go through any other recycling bins that are set up on campus. | ||
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===Finding Jobs Off-Campus=== | ===Finding Jobs Off-Campus=== | ||
#Seek out tip jobs. As a college student, having access to quick cash is extremely helpful. Look for part-time job opportunities that will allow you to walk away with cash in hand at the end of your shift. | #Seek out tip jobs. As a college student, having access to quick cash is extremely helpful. Look for part-time job opportunities that will allow you to walk away with cash in hand at the end of your shift. | ||
| − | #*Serving or tending bar in restaurants, working as a hotel or restaurant valet, delivering food (which usually requires you to have your own car and insurance), or doing street performance are good options.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980297</ref> | + | #*Serving or tending bar in restaurants, working as a hotel or restaurant valet, delivering food (which usually requires you to have your own car and insurance), or doing street performance are good options.<ref name="rf8">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980297</ref> |
#Get a part-time job at a local shop. Hit the pavement and check out the local businesses around your area. You may be able to find part-time work that fits around your school schedule. | #Get a part-time job at a local shop. Hit the pavement and check out the local businesses around your area. You may be able to find part-time work that fits around your school schedule. | ||
#*While you should check the classifieds regularly for posted job ads, understand that not all businesses use these, and you may have better luck if you inquire in person about possible job openings. | #*While you should check the classifieds regularly for posted job ads, understand that not all businesses use these, and you may have better luck if you inquire in person about possible job openings. | ||
#*Be prepared with a copy of your resume and look presentable when you first go to the shop. Don't pop in on your way home from the gym! That won't leave a good impression! | #*Be prepared with a copy of your resume and look presentable when you first go to the shop. Don't pop in on your way home from the gym! That won't leave a good impression! | ||
| − | #Visit a temp agency. The process of finding an available job can be simplified by enlisting the help of a temp agency. They can sort through all the ads for you, and already have established relationships with local businesses.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980304</ref> | + | #Visit a temp agency. The process of finding an available job can be simplified by enlisting the help of a temp agency. They can sort through all the ads for you, and already have established relationships with local businesses.<ref name="rf9">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980304</ref> |
#*While the agency will take a portion of your wages, temp jobs tend to pay fairly well, and you can be clear about what your availability is around your class schedule. | #*While the agency will take a portion of your wages, temp jobs tend to pay fairly well, and you can be clear about what your availability is around your class schedule. | ||
#*Another advantage of working through an agency is that you can turn down work if you are having a particularly busy week or month at school. | #*Another advantage of working through an agency is that you can turn down work if you are having a particularly busy week or month at school. | ||
#Baby-sit or nanny for local families. If you are responsible and good with children, you can often find steady work as a baby-sitter or nanny. | #Baby-sit or nanny for local families. If you are responsible and good with children, you can often find steady work as a baby-sitter or nanny. | ||
| − | #*Research the going rates in your area; as a college student, you may be able to demand a higher rate, particularly if you are an education major (or psychology, pre-med or nursing student, have certification in CPR and/or first-aid, etc.). In some cities, you may be able to make up to $15 an hour.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980292</ref> | + | #*Research the going rates in your area; as a college student, you may be able to demand a higher rate, particularly if you are an education major (or psychology, pre-med or nursing student, have certification in CPR and/or first-aid, etc.). In some cities, you may be able to make up to $15 an hour.<ref name="rf10">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980292</ref> |
#Consider signing up with professional baby-sitting services. These businesses screen and run back-ground checks on their sitters. Many parents are more comfortable placing their children in the care of sitters who have been vetted through this process. | #Consider signing up with professional baby-sitting services. These businesses screen and run back-ground checks on their sitters. Many parents are more comfortable placing their children in the care of sitters who have been vetted through this process. | ||
#Advertise your baby-sitting business on campus. You may also consider offering your services to your professors. If you are their current student, they may not feel comfortable (or be allowed to) hire you, but they may be able to recommend you to other of their friends and colleagues. | #Advertise your baby-sitting business on campus. You may also consider offering your services to your professors. If you are their current student, they may not feel comfortable (or be allowed to) hire you, but they may be able to recommend you to other of their friends and colleagues. | ||
#Negotiate additional tasks for extra pay. If you are already spending time in a home taking care of children, you may be able to make some extra cash by going above and beyond. | #Negotiate additional tasks for extra pay. If you are already spending time in a home taking care of children, you may be able to make some extra cash by going above and beyond. | ||
| − | #*For example, you can offer to do laundry and wash dishes for an extra fee (perhaps $10 more) on top of your regular baby-sitting rate.<ref | + | #*For example, you can offer to do laundry and wash dishes for an extra fee (perhaps $10 more) on top of your regular baby-sitting rate.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#Work with children in other ways. If baby-sitting isn't your thing, you may find fulfilling and lucrative work by tutoring or coaching elementary or high school students. | #Work with children in other ways. If baby-sitting isn't your thing, you may find fulfilling and lucrative work by tutoring or coaching elementary or high school students. | ||
#*Contact the local schools to see if they have children who might benefit from your services or to see if they have part-time coaching positions available. | #*Contact the local schools to see if they have children who might benefit from your services or to see if they have part-time coaching positions available. | ||
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#Work with animals. If you connect better with animals than people, then you may be able to find work that puts you in contact with our non-human friends, which will be good for both your mental and your financial health. | #Work with animals. If you connect better with animals than people, then you may be able to find work that puts you in contact with our non-human friends, which will be good for both your mental and your financial health. | ||
#*Advertise your services as a dog walker or pet sitter. You can place fliers (dog-parks and local veterinarians are great places to start) or advertise on-line, but don't overlook the importance of networking with people you know. | #*Advertise your services as a dog walker or pet sitter. You can place fliers (dog-parks and local veterinarians are great places to start) or advertise on-line, but don't overlook the importance of networking with people you know. | ||
| − | #*You may even want to think about opening a pooper-scooper business. Cleaning up Fido's business is no one's favorite chore, but armed with gloves and the proper tools, it's an easy enough job. You'll also be provided with steady work!<ref | + | #*You may even want to think about opening a pooper-scooper business. Cleaning up Fido's business is no one's favorite chore, but armed with gloves and the proper tools, it's an easy enough job. You'll also be provided with steady work!<ref name="rf8" /> |
#Get paid to work outside. If you're young and strong and like to be outside, then starting a business in which you do yard work or landscaping could be right up your alley. | #Get paid to work outside. If you're young and strong and like to be outside, then starting a business in which you do yard work or landscaping could be right up your alley. | ||
#*Be able to switch up your services as the seasons change: have access to a lawn-mower and weed-whacker in the warmer months, and switch out to warm clothes and a shovel once the cold hits. | #*Be able to switch up your services as the seasons change: have access to a lawn-mower and weed-whacker in the warmer months, and switch out to warm clothes and a shovel once the cold hits. | ||
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#*This is a particularly great gig: you usually won't be asked to do much more than watch over the home, collect mail, water the plants, perform yard work as necessary, and perhaps care for pets. Beyond that, though, you'll get to live in a home that's probably far nicer than yours for a few days or even weeks. | #*This is a particularly great gig: you usually won't be asked to do much more than watch over the home, collect mail, water the plants, perform yard work as necessary, and perhaps care for pets. Beyond that, though, you'll get to live in a home that's probably far nicer than yours for a few days or even weeks. | ||
#Network to find house-sitting opportunities. Let your family, friends, and professors know about your availability to house-sit. It's usually best to try to find a friend-of-a-friend (or a coworker or boss of a friend or parent, etc.) | #Network to find house-sitting opportunities. Let your family, friends, and professors know about your availability to house-sit. It's usually best to try to find a friend-of-a-friend (or a coworker or boss of a friend or parent, etc.) | ||
| − | #*Your immediate friends and family members may expect you to help out for free and be insulted at your request for payment.<ref | + | #*Your immediate friends and family members may expect you to help out for free and be insulted at your request for payment.<ref name="rf10" /> |
#Sell blood and/or plasma. Why not perform a valuable service for others while getting paid at the same time? Depending upon whether you are giving blood or plasma, you can usually make in the range of $20-45 per “donation”. | #Sell blood and/or plasma. Why not perform a valuable service for others while getting paid at the same time? Depending upon whether you are giving blood or plasma, you can usually make in the range of $20-45 per “donation”. | ||
#*You will need to meet certain eligibility requirements before you'll be allowed to donate, though, and there are limits to how often you can donate. | #*You will need to meet certain eligibility requirements before you'll be allowed to donate, though, and there are limits to how often you can donate. | ||
| − | #*Read up on the American Red Cross's donation guidelines before you commit, or check in with the hospital or clinic where you'll be donating.<ref | + | #*Read up on the American Red Cross's donation guidelines before you commit, or check in with the hospital or clinic where you'll be donating.<ref name="rf7" /> |
===Working from Home=== | ===Working from Home=== | ||
#Sell your gently used clothes to consignment shops. Take a careful look at your closet; how much of it do you regularly wear? How much of it still fits? How much of it is still in style? There's a good chance that you have a decent amount of money tied up in your wardrobe. | #Sell your gently used clothes to consignment shops. Take a careful look at your closet; how much of it do you regularly wear? How much of it still fits? How much of it is still in style? There's a good chance that you have a decent amount of money tied up in your wardrobe. | ||
| − | #*Pull out any items that are still in good condition, make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free, and then take them to a local consignment shop.<ref | + | #*Pull out any items that are still in good condition, make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free, and then take them to a local consignment shop.<ref name="rf7" /> You should be able to walk away with cash in hand. Just try not to spend it all on new clothes while you're there—unless, of course, that's why you wanted the extra money in the first place! |
| − | #Sell your stuff online. If there isn't a good consignment shop nearby (or if you think you may be able to make more by selling your items yourself), you may want to consider selling your no-longer-wanted-or-needed possessions online. Craigslist and eBay are two popular sites to try.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980294</ref> | + | #Sell your stuff online. If there isn't a good consignment shop nearby (or if you think you may be able to make more by selling your items yourself), you may want to consider selling your no-longer-wanted-or-needed possessions online. Craigslist and eBay are two popular sites to try.<ref name="rf11">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980294</ref> |
#*Think about offering up your clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, exercise equipment, and/or electronic equipment. So long as it's in decent condition, you can usually find a buyer for nearly any item. | #*Think about offering up your clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, exercise equipment, and/or electronic equipment. So long as it's in decent condition, you can usually find a buyer for nearly any item. | ||
#*You'll want to take high resolution pictures of your items, and be sure to offer a clear, complete description of the item. If you have warranty information, manuals, or brochures that accompany the items, you may have better luck making a sell. | #*You'll want to take high resolution pictures of your items, and be sure to offer a clear, complete description of the item. If you have warranty information, manuals, or brochures that accompany the items, you may have better luck making a sell. | ||
#Have a yard sale. You can also set up shop in your own yard (or drive-way, or garage). Many areas have active yard sale scenes, and it takes minimal work for you to be able to meet up with those who are looking for great deals. | #Have a yard sale. You can also set up shop in your own yard (or drive-way, or garage). Many areas have active yard sale scenes, and it takes minimal work for you to be able to meet up with those who are looking for great deals. | ||
#*Post fliers around your neighborhood, and remember to place an ad in your local paper if they advertise garage/yard sales. | #*Post fliers around your neighborhood, and remember to place an ad in your local paper if they advertise garage/yard sales. | ||
| − | #*Be willing to negotiate with buyers, and don't set your expectations too high when you set your prices. At best, you may only be able to fetch 25% of the original price you paid for an item. <ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980302</ref> | + | #*Be willing to negotiate with buyers, and don't set your expectations too high when you set your prices. At best, you may only be able to fetch 25% of the original price you paid for an item. <ref name="rf12">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980302</ref> |
#Write online. If you are good with the written word, you should be able to find plenty of opportunities to write (or edit others' work) online. | #Write online. If you are good with the written word, you should be able to find plenty of opportunities to write (or edit others' work) online. | ||
#*Search for freelance writing and editing gigs. The rates for these jobs vary: you may be paid by the word, be offered a flat rate for a project, or in some cases can be paid an hourly rate. You typically won't be able to retain copyright over your work or collect royalties, however. Even so, by doing freelance work you can build a portfolio and make valuable connections which may later pay off with more stable job opportunities. | #*Search for freelance writing and editing gigs. The rates for these jobs vary: you may be paid by the word, be offered a flat rate for a project, or in some cases can be paid an hourly rate. You typically won't be able to retain copyright over your work or collect royalties, however. Even so, by doing freelance work you can build a portfolio and make valuable connections which may later pay off with more stable job opportunities. | ||
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===Making Money by Saving Money=== | ===Making Money by Saving Money=== | ||
| − | #Rent a room. If you rent or own off-campus, you can free up a large chunk of cash by cutting down on your share of rent and utility expenses by finding a roommate. <ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980306</ref> | + | #Rent a room. If you rent or own off-campus, you can free up a large chunk of cash by cutting down on your share of rent and utility expenses by finding a roommate. <ref name="rf13">http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/25-unusual-ways-to-make-quick-money/#!fullscreen&slide=980306</ref> |
#*Carefully screen applicants—it may be a good idea to begin searching for a roommate among your friends and classmates. Be sure to draw up an agreement between the two of you outlining how bills will be handled, and make sure you aren't violating your current lease if you bring in an additional person to your home. | #*Carefully screen applicants—it may be a good idea to begin searching for a roommate among your friends and classmates. Be sure to draw up an agreement between the two of you outlining how bills will be handled, and make sure you aren't violating your current lease if you bring in an additional person to your home. | ||
| − | #Save money on books. Books are a large expense for any college student, but it's not a good idea to forego purchasing them at all. There are, however, various ways to potentially save hundreds on your book costs over the course of the school year.<ref | + | #Save money on books. Books are a large expense for any college student, but it's not a good idea to forego purchasing them at all. There are, however, various ways to potentially save hundreds on your book costs over the course of the school year.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Once your reading list is available, begin by checking the prices in the campus bookstore, but them look elsewhere for better deals. | #*Once your reading list is available, begin by checking the prices in the campus bookstore, but them look elsewhere for better deals. | ||
#Look for used books. You can usually find cheaper options (both new and used) online or by going to local used bookstores, who often buy books from students at the end of the term. | #Look for used books. You can usually find cheaper options (both new and used) online or by going to local used bookstores, who often buy books from students at the end of the term. | ||
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#*If you do this, make sure that you have a clear schedule for when each of you will access to the book. | #*If you do this, make sure that you have a clear schedule for when each of you will access to the book. | ||
#Carry cash only. You may be able to spend less by limiting yourself to only paying for items with cash. Put your debit and credit cards away, or tuck them in corner of your wallet to only be brought out for emergencies. | #Carry cash only. You may be able to spend less by limiting yourself to only paying for items with cash. Put your debit and credit cards away, or tuck them in corner of your wallet to only be brought out for emergencies. | ||
| − | #*When you cash your check or make a withdrawal, take out enough to last you for the month, if possible. This way, you can avoid having to make repeat trips to the ATM. At an average fee of $3 per withdrawal, the fees can really add up.<ref | + | #*When you cash your check or make a withdrawal, take out enough to last you for the month, if possible. This way, you can avoid having to make repeat trips to the ATM. At an average fee of $3 per withdrawal, the fees can really add up.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Avoid carrying all of your cash when you go out, though. Take just what you think you'll need. | #*Avoid carrying all of your cash when you go out, though. Take just what you think you'll need. | ||
#Save on food on campus. If you live on campus, you may be required to purchase a dining plan. If so, select the most economical plan (be honest about how often you'll be willing or able to go to the cafeteria). | #Save on food on campus. If you live on campus, you may be required to purchase a dining plan. If so, select the most economical plan (be honest about how often you'll be willing or able to go to the cafeteria). | ||
#*Then, whatever plan you have, take full advantage of it: avoid skipping meals so that you won't need to purchase food later; and if you're allowed, take fruit or leftovers so that you'll have snacks available throughout the day. | #*Then, whatever plan you have, take full advantage of it: avoid skipping meals so that you won't need to purchase food later; and if you're allowed, take fruit or leftovers so that you'll have snacks available throughout the day. | ||
#*Also, scope out events on campus which offer free food. | #*Also, scope out events on campus which offer free food. | ||
| − | #*If you have a work study with the dining hall or catering services, you may be able to take home free food.<ref | + | #*If you have a work study with the dining hall or catering services, you may be able to take home free food.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Opt out of your dining plan. If you are able to, you may be able to save more money by opting out of a dining plan and buying your groceries yourself. | #Opt out of your dining plan. If you are able to, you may be able to save more money by opting out of a dining plan and buying your groceries yourself. | ||
#*Shop at discount grocery stores or buy in bulk from stores like Costco. While you get more bang for your buck when you buy in bulk, your tab can be pretty high. You can work around this problem by having a friend or roommate go in with you on purchases. | #*Shop at discount grocery stores or buy in bulk from stores like Costco. While you get more bang for your buck when you buy in bulk, your tab can be pretty high. You can work around this problem by having a friend or roommate go in with you on purchases. | ||
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#*Your school may have discounted bus passes available for students, or you may be able to arrange to carpool with your fellow students to classes or for supply runs. | #*Your school may have discounted bus passes available for students, or you may be able to arrange to carpool with your fellow students to classes or for supply runs. | ||
#Cut out luxuries. You may think that you can't live without your cable or Starbucks, but be honest with yourself. It's probably just the caffeine you need, and not the $4 latte. | #Cut out luxuries. You may think that you can't live without your cable or Starbucks, but be honest with yourself. It's probably just the caffeine you need, and not the $4 latte. | ||
| − | #*Make your coffee at home, consider cutting out the cable and switching to free or cheaper tv options (such as NetFlix or Hulu), and hold off on upgrading to the newest, shiniest electronic gadgets.<ref | + | #*Make your coffee at home, consider cutting out the cable and switching to free or cheaper tv options (such as NetFlix or Hulu), and hold off on upgrading to the newest, shiniest electronic gadgets.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*By going without luxuries, you'll of course free up money, but you'll also come to enjoy and appreciate them more once you can truly be able to afford them again. | #*By going without luxuries, you'll of course free up money, but you'll also come to enjoy and appreciate them more once you can truly be able to afford them again. | ||
#Take advantage of student discounts. Before you head out to a local restaurant or museum, do some quick research to see if they offer discounts for students. As a student, you can often get free admission or great deals with your student identification. | #Take advantage of student discounts. Before you head out to a local restaurant or museum, do some quick research to see if they offer discounts for students. As a student, you can often get free admission or great deals with your student identification. | ||
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#*Actually read the fliers and posters around campus, which advertise free, fun, and/or interesting activities and lectures. You may be able to see plays and concerts on campus, attend lectures from important thinkers, or go to university-sponsored parties all for free with your student ID. | #*Actually read the fliers and posters around campus, which advertise free, fun, and/or interesting activities and lectures. You may be able to see plays and concerts on campus, attend lectures from important thinkers, or go to university-sponsored parties all for free with your student ID. | ||
#Consider joining one or more of the clubs on campus. Besides being able to meet new and interesting people, some of them have regular activities (like movie nights) or even take service trips over school breaks. | #Consider joining one or more of the clubs on campus. Besides being able to meet new and interesting people, some of them have regular activities (like movie nights) or even take service trips over school breaks. | ||
| − | #*These are usually funded in part or sometimes completely through donations or through fund-raising efforts.<ref | + | #*These are usually funded in part or sometimes completely through donations or through fund-raising efforts.<ref name="rf5" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
