Money-Saving Tips for Incoming College Freshmen
It’s no secret that saving up for college is a huge financial burden. Paying for classes, room and board, meal plans, and, of course, those infamously high-priced books can take a toll on anyone’s pockets. If your child is ready to embark on their college journey, or you’re preparing to do so yourself, here are a few tips to lessen the financial strain of a higher education.
- Apply for scholarships – Scholarships are a great way to get ahead of or avoid paying off student loan debt, and there is no shortage of scholarships being offered. Many businesses and organizations offer their own scholarships, and they can be found by searching through various scholarship websites.
- Look for deals on repeated expenses like books – Find sites that sell books at a discount, borrow from the library, etc. to save on books you’re only going to be using for a semester. You can also sell them back at the end of the semester to get at least a portion of a return on your purchase.
- Get a summer job and find one on campus when you get there – This is more of a money-making tip, but it’s still a good idea. While working over the summer to make money for the school year is smart, ensuring a steady income during the school year as well can take away the worry of knowing you’ll have enough money to last the whole year.
- Look for student discounts – Many businesses offer discounts to students who are strapped for cash. Gyms, video streaming services, and movie theaters are all known to offer discounts to college students, but keep your eyes peeled for any other options to help you save a few bucks!
- Track your spending – It helps to be aware of what you’re spending your money on. It might be convenient to order a pizza or grab a quick bite to eat from takeout between classes, but these transactions add up. Being aware of how you’re spending your money can help you save in the long run.