Heading off to college for the first time or just another semester is a prime time to either unload your wallet or engage in some deep debt acquisition. But before you just spend, spend, spend there are some really simple and easy money saving tips that case ease the pain up to 35%.
It can take you a few minutes to save a ton of money on college textbooks at SlugBooks.com. It helps people find the least expensive options including used and downloads. You enter your college into the search engine, select your class and options for buying or renting the required textbook are presented. For example, check out this biblical studies class offered at Wake Forest University.
At the University bookstore the book is $49.99 but with some smart shopping you can get "A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew" for $27.46. A savings of 46%. Ask yourself, what would Jesus do?
No seriously, what would Jesus do?
When it comes to cutting costs on food, don't start with the all included plan. Start with something more moderate so you can figure out how often you will actually eat on campus. Some schools even allow you to use "points" from your dinning pass at local stores and coffee shops.
Make your own coffee. It's not really that hard and it's cheaper than visiting Charbuks. Rather than unload a venti amount of money, if you make it yourself, it's just flat out cheaper. In an upcoming column we might even share our secret on how to make really cheap cold brewed ice coffee at home. Takes far cheaper than coffee out.
If you are buying a computer for college, ask about student discounts. For example the HP Academy offers student discounts and so does Dell Academy. For those looking to be hip and cool, even Apple offers Apple Education Pricing.
Discounts with Student ID
Wandering up to the nearest college age looking sales associate and inquiring about student discounts is a really smart thing to do after you enter the store.
- Academic Superstore: Provides student discounts on computers, electronics, software, and other college necessities
- Amazon Student: Free Amazon Prime trial for 1 year; includes unlimited free 2-day shipping with all orders and one-day shipping upgrade $3.99 per item
- AMC Theatres: Student discounted movie tickets every Thursday
- Amtrak: Save 15% with your Student Advantage card or your International Student Identity Card.
- Ann Taylor LOFT: 15% off
- Ann Taylor: 20% off
- Apple: 8% off (online and in-store)
- Banana Republic: 15% off
- Burger King: 10% off
- Cici's Pizza: Rumored to be $5 for buffet with a drink.
- Club Monaco: 20% off regular-priced items
- Dairy Queen: 10% off
- Dominos Pizza: various student discounts based on location
- Eddie Bauer: 15% off on regular priced merchandise in-store with valid student ID
- The GM College Discount: offers savings on Chevrolet, Buick or GMC cars
- Hardees: Offers generous student discounts and freebies.
- J. Crew: 15% off regular-priced items
- JoAnn: 10% for Student Discount Program members
- JourneyEd: provides student discounts on computers, electronics, software, and other college necessities
- The Limited: 15% off
- McDonalds: Local franchises often offer a student discount if you ask.
- Papa John's: various student discounts based on location
- Pizza Hut: 10%-20% off (depending on location)
- Regal Theaters: Up to 25% off tickets for select shows and dates
- Sam's Club: Collegiate Annual Membership $40 plus FREE $15 Sam's Club gift card
- Subway: 10% off
- ThinkEDU: student discounts on software, textbooks, dorm supplies, Apple products, collegiate apparel and more
- Topshop: 10% off
- Urban Outfitters: 10% off (on select dates only)
- Waffle House: 10% off - Source