The holidays are over and everyone is getting back into their old routines. For many, this means heading back to class. A new semester at school means many things: meeting new people, having new deadlines, learning new skills. It also means spending more money. You’ve written a brand new tuition cheque. Here are a few tips for the savvy university/college student.
Buy a travel mug: Early morning classes and late night study sessions are an inevitability for most post-secondary students, and for many, caffeine is king. We struggle through our 8am lectures, clutching a cup of coffee or tea while trying (and failing) to take legible notes and/or stay awake. It’s our crutch, but coffee is expensive and buying a cup of coffee every morning adds up. The solution is simple – Brew your own at home. Buying a good travel mug will keep it warm and easily save you the amount you paid for it. You can find single cup coffee brewers for just over $5 or you can use things from around your home to make the perfect (inexpensive) cup!
Tackling Textbooks: Textbooks are ridiculously expensive. Our wallets cry every time we look at a new course syllabus and see a laundry list of required texts. Some will be used every day. Others will collect dust in the corner of a tiny dorm room. Without some saving skills you could end up spending hundreds of dollars, if not more.
Buy Used: Most school bookstores buy and sell used textbooks and this is a great way to save a few dollars. They may not be in perfect condition but as long as the words are right, you’re good to go. Used books usually go quickly so make sure you get there fast.
Look Online: The internet is a great place to find good buys. Websites like www.alibris.com sell textbooks for a fraction of the price, but shipping could take some time. Take a look at your book lists. Do you really need a specific edition of Macbeth? Most of the classics are in public domain and can be found free online. If you do need a specific introduction, can you borrow a copy when necessary?
Share Your Resources: Sharing isn’t just for kids. Most classes will put aside copies of their readings at the school library, and although these copies are limited, they may help the frugal student. I preferred to find a group of people in the same class and divide the costs between us. One set of books for two or three people is manageable with a little organization. Work out a schedule and take notes. It might even force you to study in advance.
Make Them Pay You: There are scholarships, bursaries, and awards just waiting for your application. Every year, millions of dollars go unclaimed by Canadian students. A little research can go a long way. Entrance scholarships aren’t the only ones available. Program specific bursaries, funds for economic relief and continuing education scholarships are offered every year. Check out your school’s website or registrar for details on what is available to you and how to apply.
Do you have tips for the new semester? Share your money-saving tactics in the comments!
