I’ve read a few articles recently on how to save while a student. These articles are ok, but for the most part kind of miss the obvious points that most students would pick up on. Here’s an example. As a recent grad, I feel more than qualified to make a useful list to students.

1. Don’t shop at the bookstore. They sell books at full price, and even the ones that are marked ‘used’ aren’t very good deals, and the buyback is pathetically low. This makes you lose out twice, even though they are buying it back. Instead, research what is going to be used for your class this semester, often it’s the same as the last, and look for the book online. I recommend looking for used copies on Amazon. Powell’s, Half.com, and Ebay are good sources too. If it absolutely can’t be bought online, or you procrastinated and don’t have the time, then buy it at the competitor to the school’s bookstore. Most universities are big enough to spur competition in this respect.
2. Since you’re probably going to drink, learn what bar has the best deals during Happy Hour. Some of my more intense friends made a spreadsheet and always got sloshed on less than $5 between 4 and 7. Or develop a taste for cheap beer. Not necessarily Beast, but PBR is a favorite sample. I know this depends on the city, whether it’s a Miller or Bud, but you take what you can. The cheapest thing is obviously not to drink. Better yet, brew your own.
3. Learn to cook. Making your own meal is easier than you think. Buying groceries at the store might cost more up front than eating out, but you save in the long run. And 4 years (hopefully) of school is looking ahead long-term. Buy a cookbook with recipes you enjoy, and have at it.
4. Learn to love spicy food. Yeah I mean foreign food. Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean….try it, and go spicy. I didn’t learn this until late in college, and as such I’m a spice wuss. Spicy food is good for you, opens a whole new world of food to your palate, and is much cheaper and filling for the cost. It can give that Ramen a zing!
5. Always sign up a full load of classes. 18 credits is the most you can take as a full-time student without an override at most schools. Anything under 12 credits is part-time and you pay per the credit hour. Most schools charge a flat rate for a full-time course load. If you’re going to drop a class and know it, try it out for a few classes, see if you can hack it, and if you can’t, then drop it. If you do this every semester, you can potentially graduate in 3.5 years. This is a great way to get the most bang for your buck.
6. Get rid of your car if you can. Depending on the campus, you can easily get around without a car. Get a bicycle, which is great exercise, cheap and earth-friendly (the parking situation is almost always excellent, just get a good U-lock). Or just walk. I have several friends who would walk across town to get to class, to the tune of 1 hour each way. You can easily depend on friends to go places when needed, and it’s a way to strengthen friendships and your health. The financial perks? You don’t have to pay for parking, car repairs, oil changes, tires, tickets, or annual governmental vehicle fees. This leads into my next point.
7. Live as close to campus as reasonably possible. This is an excellent way to experience all that college life has to offer, good and bad. It puts you closer to classes (read sleeping in) and the social scene. Roommates are a must to keep cost down. This is always a move for the better.
8. If you’re living off-campus, subscribe to as few services as possible. Granted water, gas and electricity aren’t to be avoided. What I’m talking about here is Cable, Internet and whatever else might be available. Often TV in college is a great idea as a distraction and at the rate of around $40 a month, is probably spent better towards the future. Internet can be tacked onto the monthly cable bill for around $60 total, but if you have a laptop, and most colleges require incoming freshmen to have a laptop (which I take issue with) and WiFi, then it doesn’t make sense to pay for it on your own. Studying at the library, or on campus in general is always a better idea than at home on your comfy bed.

This is just an idea list, but these 8 points are things that I’ve picked up on over the years that have helped me out. I’m sure you’ll pick up on your own tips as time goes on.