Buying Illustrated Anatomy Textbooks And More

By Judy Sullivan


After you have spent months meeting with guidance counselors, filling out college applications, visiting campuses, and going on interviews, no one can question the thrill you feel when you finally receive that acceptance letter from your first choice college. But that excitement can quickly turn to anxiety when you begin to think about all the expenses associated with student living: housing, illustrated anatomy textbooks, and everything else. There are lots of ways you can save on those costs, if you think ahead and use your resources. Ask around and find out how other students are coping with the same costs. Here are a couple of areas where you can save, and ideas for doing so.

Textbooks: As all students and former students know, this is one of the hugest expenses of attending college. Do not wait until the last minute, when you will have no choice but to purchase all of your books new from the school bookstore. Consider these possibilities:

1. Online sites. Many internet retailers sell textbooks for a fraction of the cover price. If you can find used books, you can save money, even when you consider the shipping and handling costs.

2. Network with other students, especially those in your major. You might be able to buy or borrow their used books, in print or electronic form.

3. Ask your college bookstore about used books and rentals. Buying the books used (if they are available) will save you a good percentage of the bookstore's price for new ones. Renting will be even cheaper, and let's be realistic; most people do not use their textbooks after they have finished a class.

Housing: Living arrangements make up another large percentage of most students' college expenses. If you are able to cut costs in this area, it can be very beneficial. No one needs the added stress of struggling to make high rent payments while they are also dealing with class work. Some ideas for saving money on housing:

1. Live on campus. This can prove to be the most inexpensive option, especially if you are not paying your own college costs. Parents are often more likely to pay for your housing if it is lumped in with your tuition, the way it is with dorm living. Even if you are financing your own costs, your financial aid may help to cover on-campus living.

2. Live with roommates. Living with other people can be annoying, especially if you do not know them very well, but you cannot argue with the financial benefits of learning to cope with that annoyance. If you have friends who are looking for housing, even better! Most people who go away to college spend at least a year or two living with others.

3. Live with relatives. Many people stay in their hometowns for college rather than going away. Why not consider staying with your parents or with other relatives until you are able to save some money? it might help you to get on your own and stay on your own more quickly in the future.

Beginning a college degree presents the student with many decisions all at once. This can be overhwhelming, but planning in advance can help. Shelling out the cash for those campus activity fees and illustrated anatomy textbooks will hurt much less if you have a budget and a plan in mind.




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