Be A Frugal College Student

If you're about to start your first year of college, you could use some tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that could bust your budget unnecessarily. Chances are, the cost of getting your education is already putting you (or your parents) in debt, so be sure to look for any way you can to keep your money where it belongs, in your bank account.

Look to your roommate for big-ticket items. If the person you are going to share your dorm with for a year already has a nice rug and a floor lamp, save your money to provide something different. Before you start to shop, get the contact information for your roommate and get the ball rolling. You will need your own furnishings soon enough, why not spare some expenses for both of you while you still can?

Look into doing your textbook shopping online. Gone are the days of only having the campus bookstore to fill your backpack. As soon as your schedule comes out, go to your professor's website and get the reading list. The internet has tons of places to buy new and used books, so do your homework and get the best price on all of your books. Going back to the net to sell them after the quarter is over is a good idea, too.

Find the campus bank with the best deal for college students. The last thing you want to do is unknowingly pay a fee every time you use an ATM, right? There are other hidden fees such as penalties for going below a certain balance, too. Do your homework and read the fine print before deciding where to keep your money. This is always a good rule of thumb, especially when you're starting out as a college student.

Avoid credit card fees by paying your monthly balance on time. Actually, not using a credit card isn't a bad idea either, but there is an argument to be made for creating a positive credit history during your college years. If you decide to do so, watching for your monthly statement and pay your bill well in advance of the due date to avoid costly late fees.

Use your student status every chance you get. Students get discounts at some movie theaters, restaurants and other venues just like senior citizens do. It's good to get into the habit of asking for a student discount before reaching for your wallet. Whether you are a student at a traditional university or online college, keep your eyes open for ways to save yourself some hard-earned money.