Five Cost-Cutting Tips Your Friends Wish They Knew

Wish your checkbook was considerably more in the black (or that your credit cards weren't quite as full)? If so, employ these tried-and-true suggestions for cheaper college living.

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STUDENT STATUS.
One married couple, in seminary, saved $20 on a hotel room during a recent trip by asking the front desk clerk if there was a student rate. As it turned out, his student ID card got him a discount on selected airfare and at the movies, too. Not too shabby.

2. WHY BUY NEW WHEN GENTLY USED WILL DO?
If you've ever had to buy college textbooks before, you already know they ain't cheap; but there's a way to get around those astronomical fees: Buy used. If you get on the ball early enough, many campus bookstores have secondhand copies of the books you'll need for class.

Or, if you have a reading list ahead of time, you probably can get a discount by shopping at your local used bookstore or a retailer that gets its books in bulk at reduced prices.

3. COSTCO IS YOUR FRIEND!
It's amazing how much trivial items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and laundry detergent can cost (and how quickly you run out of them). So why not save some cash (and time of repeat visits to Target) by buying in larger quantities?

4. SOCIALIZE ON THE CHEAP.
It's Friday night, and you only have a few dollars to spend. No worries. Why not check out your local museum; or enjoy a picnic in the park with plenty of homemade goodies rather than going to an over-priced restaurant? As a last resort when you don't feel like leaving campus, there's always college-sponsored activities, such as free concerts, movies, etc., to keep you entertained on a tight budget.

5. SHOP AROUND.
Sure, it's tempting to sign on the dotted line for the first good deal you find for essential items, such as cell phone plans, car insurance, etc.; but, if you take a little extra time for research or to bargain for services, you're likely to find an even more tempting deal.