Off to College...and how to avoid a life of squalor.
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College—a world of school pride, all-nighters and temporary poverty. The price of higher education can be a strain on your wallet. Staying afloat for the next few years requires determination and smarts. Here are some ways to help you keep your costs low.
  • Free Money
    There are a lot of people out there giving away money. Go to the financial aid center and apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can.
  • Student Loans
    AFCU offers student loans with low interest rates and that carry tax benefits (you just have to pay them back).
  • Get a job
    Not only can you bring home a paycheck but some businesses even offer tuition reimbursement to their employees.
  • Buy Books Used
    Used textbooks cost less and they usually have important information already highlighted for you.
  • Talk is Cheap
    Talk to your parents or friends on computer instant messenger programs (like skype) rather than over the phone
  • Blood Money
    Donate your blood/plasma, you can bank an extra couple hundred dollars a month (plus all the OJ and cookies you can eat).
  • Cancel Cable
    Full episodes of your favorite TV shows can be watched online.
  • Ramen
    'Nuff said.
College

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juls030201
Posted 4:54 pm o 11/17/2009
My daughter is starting collage in the fall of 2010. Thanks for the pointers. I will tell her about donating plasma.....
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Amber G
Posted 1:32 pm o 11/04/2009
There are so many options out there now for financial aid. My suggestion is do not get discouraged, most students do not apply because they think they will not get approved for scholarships or grants. In reality a lot of students do not even try for the scholarships because of the time it takes to fill out the applications. There is a lot of paper work but really it is worth the work!
CLAY
Posted 9:44 am o 09/02/2009
Not only should you buy used books, but you should definitely check for a paperback edition of your book. Paperback is almost always less-expensive. Just be sure to plan ahead and get an on-line order done early to ensure you have your books on-time.
sharkness
Posted 3:29 pm o 08/26/2009
I totally agree with Tricy. One thing I might suggest would be to get married so you can apply for grants which you dont have to pay back. If you and your spouse are both goign you can both apply. It has been such a relief for me.
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browleo
Posted 9:06 pm o 07/29/2009
I got to find a local blood/plasma bank... and fast!
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poorcollegestudent
Posted 10:43 am o 07/22/2009
Many times people don't realize that selling books online instead of book buybacks at the bookstore will help you almost break even from the cost of buying books. Sometimes, depending on the book, I make a profit when I sell it at the end of the semester. To help this process, always keep books in the best condition you can. Make a cheap cover for your books from cardboard cereal boxes and packing/duct tape.
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rcragun
Posted 11:16 am o 07/18/2009
there is lots of aid and scholarships out there. it never hurts to ask! and it will save alot of money.
lboam
Posted 12:50 pm o 07/10/2009
Does anyone know if there are ways to grants for Helicopter school???
ryan
Posted 10:23 am o 07/08/2009
I applied for student aid and didn't think that I would get anything. To my suprise, my school will be paid for with scholarships and grants. lucky me.
tricy
Posted 11:56 pm o 05/08/2009
Take it from a poor college student, this is good advice! If you are going to college apply for financial aid! Universities offer different types of grants(free money) loans and work study options. Even if you don't think you qualify, you should still check. You might be surprised.
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