| It really isn't that difficult to save money when you are | | | | have the same information. |
| in college. After all, society has a notion that most | | | | When you sell the book back, you will get very little for |
| college students are completely broke anyhow. If | | | | it. This has led to many students selling their books on |
| anyone can cut costs, it is a broke college student. | | | | their own. They sell them for more than they will get |
| Why else would they be willing to live on a floor with | | | | back, but less than the bookstore's used price. This is a |
| thirty of their closest friends and eat cafeteria food | | | | great way to save money. |
| every meal (or those noodles in a microwaveable | | | | You could also consider swapping books. Many |
| cup)? | | | | students do this, but only do it with books you don't |
| So how can you save money while in college? All you | | | | intend to get back. |
| have to do is be a bit creative. | | | | When you are in college you can also save a lot of |
| Most college students will tell you that next to tuition, | | | | money by trying not to photocopy too much. I know |
| books are the most expensive thing they have to | | | | that I spent a lot of money on copies that eventually |
| purchase. College book prices are unbelievable. You | | | | became scrap paper. Today, you can often simply |
| thought $25 for a bestseller was bad, wait until you | | | | scan the text and email the file to yourself. Then it can |
| see $200 for a genetics book. | | | | be used from your own computer, or printed for free |
| Many students have found ways around this. First of | | | | at the student computer lounge. If the school charges |
| all, don't buy your books until after your first day of | | | | for this, simply purchase a cheap printer and ink. In the |
| class. Many teachers will revise their plan over the | | | | long run, this will save you a lot of money. I personally |
| summer, after their book requirements have been | | | | suggest that you go the paper-free route and just |
| turned in. While you can return books within the first | | | | keep the file on your computer. Then you can delete it |
| week at many schools, you don't want to buy | | | | when you are done or save it for a future project. |
| something you don't have to and go through the | | | | This is the best way to organize research. |
| hassle. | | | | If you really must make copies or print something, try |
| Don't worry, if the store runs out of books, your | | | | to avoid using the school's printing services. If there is a |
| teacher will probably provide copies of chapters | | | | print shop within walking distance, become a customer. |
| discussed until the store gets more books in. Or you | | | | They are often much cheaper and sometimes you |
| will be asked to share. | | | | can wrangle a discount based on the volume you are |
| Many students share their textbooks. Especially those | | | | copying. |
| that are in all the same classes (freshmen or best | | | | There are a million things you can save money on |
| friends). A lot of students will photocopy a friend's | | | | while in college, from food to clothes and eating out. |
| book or the one in the library. Many will simply check | | | | The key is to be creative and really think about what |
| the book out. | | | | you are spending. Don't just pull out a credit card. While |
| If the book is for a class in your major, it may be | | | | you may not pay for it now, you will pay a lot for it |
| worth it to buy a used edition and keep it as a | | | | later. Carry cash, spend cash and leave the credit for |
| reference book. Flip through it first and decide whether | | | | buying your first home or a new car after you |
| you think you will really use it again. There really is no | | | | graduate. |
| need to ever purchase a new book. The used books | | | | |