Fourth Estate/ Billy Ferguson

Quick tips on how to save money as a college student

BY AHMED FARID, STAFF WRITER

As college students, there are many things that separate us. We have different majors, enjoy different hobbies and come from diverse backgrounds. Yet, there seems to be one thing that most of us can agree on: We are completely broke.

Between tuition fees and the ridiculously expensive books, we usually find ourselves jumping through hoops in order to put our finances together. While there may be no one to make our bills go away, there are a number of things that you can do as a college student to make ends meet. Below are tips that will help you save money this semester.

Choose a meal plan that suits you

Whether you live on or off campus, chances are you are going to have to eat while at school. Some people end up spending a fortune on the food they eat. However, with a little planning, you can save a lot. Mason Dining offers a variety of plans that are tailored for a student’s needs, whether you eat all your meals on campus or only once a week. 

Find convenient transportation

If you commute to campus, you need to make sure you do it in the most affordable way. Mason students have free access to the CUE bus, so consider traveling that way if you can. Also, if you’re on campus and did not bring your car, know that there are a number of places you can go for free using the Mason shuttle. 

Buy used textbooks

Every semester, you’re going to be asked to buy a number of incredibly overpriced books. One of the best ways to prevent yourself from going bankrupt in college is to look for cheaper options. These can be in the form of old books being sold on Amazon or by other Mason students, renting or finding a friend who previously took the class and are willing to lend you the book. At the beginning of the semester, make sure to check with your professor if you need the book before you buy or rent it.

Attend Mason events

We all need to de-stress every now and then, but it seems that in order to have fun you have to spend some money. On a campus like ours, there are tons of free events where you can enjoy your time without spending a dime. Whenever you want to do something exciting, check online for events held by different organizations and see if anything appeals to you.