College is a huge change for most people, and it's definitely not cheap. After paying for things like books and housing, it can be hard to afford even the most important things. Use these tips to help save money while you're at college.

Try not to get a credit card.
While credit cards are convenient and may seem like a great idea, they can quickly land you in debt. If you prefer plastic over cash, look into debit card options instead.

Manage your money.
This can be as simple as writing down how much money you have, then deducting the cost of everything you need. From there, you can see how much money you will have left and what your necessities are.


Buy used textbooks.
Since most students end up selling their textbooks when they're done with them, you might as well take advantage of this. You don't need a brand new text book, and used books are a lot cheaper.

Skip the car.
We all want a car, but if you live on campus there's really no need for one. It'll cost you more than it's worth once you factor in gas, insurance and repairs. Also, chances are you'll be stuck in traffic most of the time anyway. Walk or bike to classes. It'll save you money, and you'll be helping to save the environment at the same time.



Pack a lunch.
If you eat in the cafeteria, the cost of meals can really add up. Go to the grocery store and buy your own food to pack for lunch. Not only will you end up saving quite a bit, you can eat a lot healthier that way.

Buy in bulk.
When people think of college students, they tend to envision them buying large amounts of Ramen noodles. It may seem silly, but it's actually a good thing. They're cheap, and you can buy a large amount without spending an arm and leg. You don't have to, and shouldn't, stick to noodles, though. Check for sales at the store, or even head to a warehouse club like Sam's Club. If you can, split the membership costs with a friend so you both can take advantage of the deals.

Wi-Fi.
A lot of colleges have free Wi-Fi on campus. Check to see if it's available at your school before you go out and pay for wireless internet. If not, you might consider a library membership — you can often use library computers for free.

There are tons of other money-saving tips, but the main thing to remember is to be smart. Make a budget, and before you buy anything, ask yourself, Do I really need this? Try not to splurge on Starbucks or that new XBox 360, and you'll see you can stretch your dollar a long way.