It’s not a secret that the cost of tuition is out of control. Just look at how big a platform it is right now for the presidential candidates. College fees and student debt are by far the most significant economic issues of our generation.

But besides political change, what else can be done to get the cost of college down? The following are some tips to help you make your college years a little leaner, but without ruining your life.

Fill Up Your Freezer

When you first get to college, you’ll probably struggle with the cooking. Let’s face it, many of us haven’t done it before. And so it can sometimes be a challenge. But even seasoned cooks can find it challenging to use up all the food in their fridges before it goes off. That’s why freezing perishables is such a great idea. They’ll last a lot longer, and mean that you’re throwing out far less food. Great things to freeze include bread, leafy greens, and berries.

Go Off Campus

Don’t just assume that your college offers the cheapest accommodation. Often it doesn’t. You might think that’s strange. But many people are willing to pay a premium, just to be nearer to all the action.

Off campus housing is often cheaper. Plus, there’s more competition among private providers to get the costs down and the quality up. You’ll be surprised by just how much more you can get for your money by moving out of college digs and into the rental sector.

Study

This one might seem a bit unusual, but actually studying at college can help you get your costs down. Why? Because if you’re studying, you’ll be spending less money on entertainment.

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Image Source: flickr

Plus, in the long run, that studying should pay off. You’ll get better exam results and, hopefully, a better job in the future.

Work In A Supermarket

As a student, about a third of your budget will go on food. Food is a big cost. Working at weekends or in the evening is a great way to bolster your finances. But working at a place that sells what you use is even better because you get staff discounts. Working at a supermarket that gives staff discounts nets you a paycheck each month and lower food bills. It’s a double whammy.

Use Student Discounts

You might be required to pay a bit of money for a student card up front. But in the long run, it’s worth it. You’d be amazed at just how many stores, restaurants, and attractions offer discounts to students. They do it because they know that students probably wouldn’t turn up at the regular prices. They’d rather have their business anyway, so they lower the price.

Don’t Buy On Impulse

Impulse buying is the bane of many a student. But it’s also a surefire way to cripple your finances. If you’re prone to impulse buying, allow a cooling off period during which you can make a better decision. Chances are, after a couple of days, you’ll wonder why you ever wanted that new pair of shoes.

My Say

If you are looking for ways to get the cost of your college degree down, it makes sense to try the above suggestions. Every little thing counts when it comes to reducing expenses.