When you are attending college, you soon realize that the old adage regarding a penny saved is a penny earned is very true. With that in mind, here are a few expert life hacks to get you through your college years and maybe even beyond.
Watch Your Housing
Dorms or apartments can be a very significant expense when you are trying to pay your way through school. To help with housing costs, try to forget about those two options if at all possible. In a perfect world, you'll be able to still live with your parents while you attend school. However, this is not an option for everyone. In these cases, try to find roommates or look for a neighborhood that is farther away from the college and thus less expensive than neighborhoods that are closer to the university.
Skip the New Textbooks
This is not to say that you should not buy any textbooks, just don't buy new ones. Used books have the same information that their new counterparts do and at a fraction of the price. For an even more reduced price on textbooks, try to rent digital versions if you can. These versions are a fraction of even the used versions.
Ditch the Car
While a car may seem convenient when you are in school, it can also be quite expensive. After you factor in fuel, insurance, potential repairs, parking fees, and a car payment to the bank if you still owe on it and you'll find yourself shelling out a hefty amount of money every single month. Since universities are typically in larger cities, public transportation is readily available. It may not be a flashy option but it's far better than being constantly broke and actually have a little leftover each month.
Private Not Public
While grants and scholarships are a great way to help pay for school, they very rarely pay for the entire balance due. You'll more than likely have to borrow money in the form of student loans to help pay for that degree. However, not all student loans are equal. While most financial aid offices will push the narrative of government-backed student loans, for many people, private student loans are the way to pay for college. Not only are they generally cheaper in the long run, but they are also more flexible when it comes to repayment options.
Use Discounts
College students have access to many student discounts. While you shouldn't purchase something simply because you have a discount, but if you already planned on the activity, you should always check if there is a discount available. It's an easy way to save money on activities you were going to do anyway. Some companies do not have specific relationships with universities but may still have discounts available if you ask them.
Try Work-Study
While even a part-time job may seem like it will be too much to bear, it is usually a necessary evil to get your bills paid. However, most colleges offer work-study programs that allow you to work on campus with a schedule that correlates with your school schedule.