Everyone knows attending college can be bank-breakingly expensive. While some people are able to attend on their parent’s dime or through financial aid, more often than not you will be looking at a few loans and some penny pinching. Before heading off to your new-to-you dorm room, take some time to get your finances in order and understand how you will balance expenses while away at college. Included here are a few tips to generate funds for those normal college costs like tuition and books.
Start an Online Fundraiser
You know how your Grandma has always told you to come to her in a time of need? Well, that need may just have arisen with the high cost of tuition and books. Create an online donation center where friends and family can help you get on your feet in college. This can easily be distributed within a graduation announcement and can help make a big dent in those student loans.
Cut Costs
As fun as penny-pinching is, it’s surprising more people don’t live that way! Unfortunately, cutting costs can be an un-fun part of being an adult, as are college expenses. By learning to curb your spending in the entertainment sector, you may be able to save big bucks for books. Consider cutting down on coffees, movie nights out and unnecessary shopping sprees. Keep your eye on the prize, which is getting out of college with as little debt as possible!
Take a Summer Job
You know how you planned on spending the summer before college living it up? Well, as a new adult it is necessary to prioritize, and this could mean the unfortunate choice of working all summer instead of playing. Fortunately, taking the time to pick up extra work in the summer could greatly pay off during the school year if you save your money.
Work Part-time
While everyone thinks it would be wonderful to simply study and party their way through college, sometimes working throughout can help pay-off as well. Being laden with astronomical student loans after finishing college can just increase stress while you are seeking your dream job. Consider working part-time, at least, throughout the school year to offset your living expenses and college costs.
Buy Used Books
A great way to save huge amounts in college is by planning ahead. This could mean everything from cooking your weekday meals on Sunday to buying your books online in advance. If your professors make your book choices known to you before the school year begins, take the time to purchase them online. They will be far cheaper than even the used options within your school bookstore and, if you are feeling particularly industrious, you will be able to study before you start the quarter.
