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Tips for the "Starving Student"
Author Bio: Jessica is a freelance journalist who loves to cover technology news and the ways that technology makes life easier. She also blogs at FreshlyTechy.com. Check her out on Twitter @TechyJessy.
It’s not only colleges and universities tightening their belts and learning to do with less; many students are doing the same. As tuition and fees continue to rise, young adults are coming up with creative ways to offset the hikes. From renting software to reinventing their social lives, college kids can be penny wise if they want. These tips for starving students are only a few logical ways to cut back on college expenses.
Subscribing to Office Software Makes Cents
Students who frequently use Microsoft Office products can subscribe to a cloud version of the software instead of purchasing it outright. Although it seems costly, the benefits simply outweigh the disadvantages.
For roughly $100 a year, users can install various types of Office software on up to five Mac or Windows computers in one household. The subscription enables users to download a version of the software on a public computer, which is automatically deleted once the user finishes.
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Other advantages to subscribing to Microsoft’s Office 365 Home Premium package include receiving extra online storage through SkyDrive and 60 minutes of free Skype calls. Microsoft states that the subscribed versions will also be updated with new features before they are available in the “perpetual” version. This is not available for use with Apple’s tablets.
Having a new computer or tablet to start the school year off sounds great, but this is one area starving students can save quite a few bucks. Purchasing a refurbished or used laptop or tablet is becoming more common with many online retailers such as Newegg, Amazon, Best Buy and even Game Stop.
The benefits to buying the device this way are money. Pre-owned or refurbished tablets come with up to a 50 percent savings over new ones, which can mean hundreds of dollars or more off some tablets and laptops.
However, don’t run out and grab the first used device you can find. You will want to know whether it has any inherent manufacturing faults, as well as a warranty and return guidelines. Make sure to take the age of the tablet or laptop into consideration before purchasing, and don’t forget to research the seller.
Next to tuition and room and board, textbooks eat up a large chunk of a student’s college savings. Kindle users, however, can save a bundle by renting their textbooks. Kindle Textbook Rental through Amazon allows students to choose the rental length (30 days to 360 days) and only pay for the exact time needed. Students can extend the rental period if necessary or convert to purchase. Don’t own a Kindle? Just download one of the free Kindle apps available for iPad, Android, PC or Mac.
While saving up to 80 percent off print textbook prices may sound great, there is a catch. Some textbook publishers have disabled Kindle’s flex rental option, meaning the book may only be available to rent for up to 180 days. Make sure to check out the details of each textbook before click “Buy Now.”
The best way starving students can save some money is by closely watching what they spend. Smartphones and tablets can help. By downloading a budgeting app, students can take their money with them wherever they go and keep track of their cash flow.
Free budget-tracking apps, such as Easy Envelope Budget Aid (Android) or Mint (iPhone), help students gain control over their finances. Link to credit card and bank accounts, as well as set up categories and budget limits in the different areas in which you spend.
While every campus has its bars and restaurants within walking distance, college students can really drop a load of cash if they’re frequent customers. The same goes for movie theaters and playhouses. Be on the lookout for student discounts to local theaters; or better yet, see what’s showing on campus! Many colleges offer movie nights or “Netflix parties,” and have regular performances in the music or drama departments.
When going off campus, make sure to bring a student ID. Often, local movie theaters offer discounts to area college kids. Save gas by either walking to your destination or sharing a ride with friends.
New vs. Used or Refurbished PCs
Having a new computer or tablet to start the school year off sounds great, but this is one area starving students can save quite a few bucks. Purchasing a refurbished or used laptop or tablet is becoming more common with many online retailers such as Newegg, Amazon, Best Buy and even Game Stop.
The benefits to buying the device this way are money. Pre-owned or refurbished tablets come with up to a 50 percent savings over new ones, which can mean hundreds of dollars or more off some tablets and laptops.
However, don’t run out and grab the first used device you can find. You will want to know whether it has any inherent manufacturing faults, as well as a warranty and return guidelines. Make sure to take the age of the tablet or laptop into consideration before purchasing, and don’t forget to research the seller.
Rent Kindle Textbooks
Next to tuition and room and board, textbooks eat up a large chunk of a student’s college savings. Kindle users, however, can save a bundle by renting their textbooks. Kindle Textbook Rental through Amazon allows students to choose the rental length (30 days to 360 days) and only pay for the exact time needed. Students can extend the rental period if necessary or convert to purchase. Don’t own a Kindle? Just download one of the free Kindle apps available for iPad, Android, PC or Mac.
While saving up to 80 percent off print textbook prices may sound great, there is a catch. Some textbook publishers have disabled Kindle’s flex rental option, meaning the book may only be available to rent for up to 180 days. Make sure to check out the details of each textbook before click “Buy Now.”
Utilize a Budgeting App
The best way starving students can save some money is by closely watching what they spend. Smartphones and tablets can help. By downloading a budgeting app, students can take their money with them wherever they go and keep track of their cash flow.
Free budget-tracking apps, such as Easy Envelope Budget Aid (Android) or Mint (iPhone), help students gain control over their finances. Link to credit card and bank accounts, as well as set up categories and budget limits in the different areas in which you spend.
Party Smart
While every campus has its bars and restaurants within walking distance, college students can really drop a load of cash if they’re frequent customers. The same goes for movie theaters and playhouses. Be on the lookout for student discounts to local theaters; or better yet, see what’s showing on campus! Many colleges offer movie nights or “Netflix parties,” and have regular performances in the music or drama departments.
When going off campus, make sure to bring a student ID. Often, local movie theaters offer discounts to area college kids. Save gas by either walking to your destination or sharing a ride with friends.
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