Being a college student comes with many triumphs as well as challenges, one being using our money wisely. Some of us have it better than others, but if you’re anything like me, words of wisdom are always appreciated.  Since we’re starting a new semester let’s take a look at some ways we can maximize our money and save where we can!

1.Make a Budget: This may be the most important tip that many of us let slip under the rug. Getting a basic idea of how much you’re spending each month and where you can cut back is one of the most fundamental financial lessons you can learn while in college.

2. Shop Around: Deciding where you’re going to live for the school year can be pretty tough. Decide what amenities you can’t live without (mine being a washer and dryer), explore your options, and compare prices. Don’t rush into signing a lease, this new place will become your home for the year so it’s best to have options.

3. Carpool: Like spending, driving sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you’ve spent more on gas than you did on books this semester. Luckily, we live in a town where it’s easy to reach your location from walking, biking, to our different public transportation options. If you do have to drive, find a couple of friends you can take turns carpooling with, and doing this can really make a difference.

4. Access Student Discounts: Smile, get your student ID, then use it! Your student ID grants you discounts on items ranging from movie tickets to computers. Student discounts are particularly advantageous when it comes to traveling. Amtrak and Greyhound both offer discounts for student travelers while STA Travel can hook you up with cheap flights.

5. Plan Ahead: You know all of those college movies where students get into college, do their thing and graduate in four short years before they know it? That’s not always how it goes down in the real world. Statistically, only about one-third of full-time students seeking a bachelor’s degree graduate in four years according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Even more scary, just over half graduate in six years. That’s two years past the point when your parents said they would cut off funding. Talking to your advisor and planning your college tenure can literally cut tens of thousands off of your college bill.

For more saving tips click here.

The LSC Blogger can be reached at lsc_copywriter@mail.colostate.edu and on twitter @CSULSC