A Guest Article by Daniel Mall

Attending college is a necessity, if you’re planning on doing something that you love. However, that doesn’t make it easy and it pays to use your funds wisely for your tuition, fees, books, transportation, and any miscellaneous costs on the journey. These costs may be less if you’re attending a public school in your hometown or greater, if you’re at a private school out of town. Luckily, you’re not alone here and savvier students are always ready to help out and share some digital tools and tips for cost-cutting that you can use at any time.

Educational Apps Bypass Extra Cost: App Saves Students Textbook Money

There are a ton of digital apps out there that can help you to study smarter and faster. Some of these apps can help address the very real problem many students face: Getting their hands on less expensive textbooks. For example, the Borrow’d app now allows you to rent and borrow books more flexibly and affordably by connecting you with other students who already have the books you need on-hand. Through this app, you can rent textbooks for the period of that time you need them and then return them when you’re done with your course. It’s as simple as that. Essentially, this single app saves students textbook money. Plus, you can return the favor to your fellow students by renting any of your own books that you’re no longer using to earn a little on the side!

Click here to learn more about using the Borrow’d app.

Additional Cost-Cutting Tips

#1 Avoid Impulse Buying

How many times do you find yourself at a check-out counter, suddenly realizing that you really need that pack of gum or that cool, new toothbrush that’s so conveniently discounted in front of you? Everyone does it. We buy things that we don’t want or need just because we think that we’re getting a bargain. Many retailers count on that but you don’t just have to buy in.

To get around it, make a list whenever you plan to go shopping. Use it to write down everything that you may need or want. Then, when you’re shopping stick to that list and make sure that you don’t buy a single thing that is not on it! If it’s not on the list then you probably don’t even need it.

#2 Cut Back on Eat-Outs & Night-Outs

Learn to cook your own meals. Eating out usually comes with a number of additional cost, such as transportation and tipping. You can cut your costs in half and eat a lot healthier with a bit of research and some rudimentary cooking skills. Many universities, also offer free nutrition services for students. For example, USF’s Ask A Dietician resource, which allows students to ask quick questions to get basic nutrition information online or in-person.

#3 Use Bikes & Public Transports

Universities, usually offer free transportation options to students to negate the need for such expenses altogether. Furthermore, a good bike is a lifelong investment that simply keeps on giving. But if you don’t want to make the investment right away, you can consider free or low-cost bike rental programs. For example, USF’s Share-A-Bull Bikes. Also remember, that short distances can always be walked or jogged. So, consider doing yourself a favor by getting some excellent exercise (i.e. walk, jog, bike) while also saving a couple of bucks.

#4 Use On-Campus Facilities

Chances are good that your school has a gymnasium, cafeteria, printing facility, and a whole lot more for you to take advantage of from day one. Whenever you can, try to spend your money on-campus, because many of these facilities may be subsidized by the government, which means that the prices will be more competitive than they would be at a privately owned business.

Ultimately, be wise with your money. You are about to enter a world where the decisions you make will have an impact on your future. So, it doesn’t hurt to stay financially savvy and learn to start taking advantage of today’s digital tools from the get-go.

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