Luckily, there are some ways to save money on college expenses so you won’t have to survive on ramen for the next few months. As a recent college graduate, I picked up a few tips and tricks on how to survive at school without going broke. Borrow your books Professors often have extra copies of books left over from prior students to loan, and some order copies of the required book for the library. If your school’s library doesn’t have a copy available, consider doing an inter-library loan and borrow the book from another school. Library loans from colleges often last all semester, so there’s no need to keep renewing the book. Colleges and universities often require students take a certain meal plan their first year so they can get used to living on campus. However, once sophomore year comes along, it might be better to buy a flexible meal plan. It may cost more upfront, but it gives students more flexibility for eating on campus. The more you rely on a meal plan, the less you’ll spend on food delivery. Chef it up Don’t want to rely on just a meal plan? If you managed to snag a living space with a kitchen, you’ll be able to cook meals whenever possible. Dine with friends and split the cost of groceries, or organize a potluck where everyone contributes a dish. And be sure to make enough food to have leftovers for the next day. Many schools charge more for room and board if a student decides to dorm alone or in an apartment. Costs go down the more people you live with, so consider a double, or even a triple, room. It’s also a great way to find your first friends at school. Become an RA Resident Advisors get subsidized housing, or no living costs at all. However, they do have to be on call some nights and communicate with the other RAs on certain projects. If you like to help others and have good leadership skills, this is a great option for sophomore year on. Not to mention, you’ll get guaranteed housing when the lottery goes live for the rest of the campus. Buy toiletries, like toothpaste or bath soap, in bulk so you won’t need to run to the local shop on campus when you run out. Thrift or upcycle clothes Many students prefer comfort over style when it comes to getting dressed for class and studying. When it comes to dressier events, you can always save money (and the environment) by upcycling clothes you already have or shopping at thrift stores. College towns and cities often have wonderful consignment shops and thrift stores nearby, so you can find fashionable items and support small businesses, too. Buy decor locally Many college towns have talented local artists that rely on the student community to thrive. Instead of purchasing a tapestry, for example, from a big-name company, check out the local artists in the area instead. You could save money and you’ll wind up with something you’ll cherish for years. If you qualify for financial aid, you may also qualify for work study, which means that the school will allot a certain amount of money you can make per semester at an on-campus job. Some students can take jobs off campus and continue to be paid through the school. This money is intended to go towards school costs, like textbooks. Pay your loans in advance Don’t wait to pay off your loans, even if there’s a grace period. It’s better to get ahead of them before the graduation ceremony starts. RELATED: How to Pay Off Your Student Loans
