What are some small things that I can do to help offset the already high cost of college?

Question

I'm trying to find small ways of helping to offset the cost of an expensive college education. My parents aren't loaded, so I'd appreciate any advice/suggestions with this.

I'm not going to dorm at the college, but am gonna take public transportation. I've decided to buy a 30 unlimited metrocard that would cost less than actually purchasing a weekly metrocard.

And I would like to purchase textbooks/books at a low cost, does anyone know where I can buy them? Such as a website or something?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

BookMooch.com is absolutely free. You just pay for shipping. I got all my textbooks there last year and I only paid $30. There is also Amazon.com and eBay.com too!

Answer 2

Consider looking online for books.

Example - For a math class I had, people were having to buy USED BOOKS from the bookstore for upwards of 90 dollars.  I went online and found it for $2 I just had to pay shipping and handling. Try ebay/craigslist, etc, just look around for credible places.  Also, ads on campus have good deals for not only books but job opportunities.  Back when Myspace was popular, there was a college group page where the college kids sold the books, but online will be cheaper if you can find them.

Try to avoid spending those $10 fast-food dinners.  Look into financial aid if you have not already.  When I did end up going to fast-food and money was tight, there was a Mexican place that sold a chicken burrito platter for $3.99, which was so big I could never finish more than the burrito, but tasted so good I'd save the rest for later.

If you go shopping for clothes, look for thrift stores.  Recently I spent $300 on shirts, and believe it or not the best shirt I liked cost 1 dollar and 75 cents at a local thrift store lol.  Some of the $15 shirts I won't even wear.

If you go drinking, try not to pay :p

Answer 3

you can actually lease textbooks off of websites for cheap. the lease lasts the length of the term

Answer 4

For books the best price I have gotten some for is on Ebay or Amazon. You may also be able to rent them from the schools library or just go there and use it without having to buy one. I don't know about your school but each of the university's I have been to give you a free metro card, try contacting the schools transit dept and see if they do.