Originally posted on January 18, 2017 @ 3:33 am
College is a notoriously expensive venture in life. Not only does tuition cost a pretty penny, but there are also many supplies necessary for students to succeed in their learning environment. Without the proper resources, educational expenses can leave students flat broke.
Though technology has made the plight of a college student notably easier, there is still plenty of hard work to be done. In the interest of affordability, here are a few of the best sources for purchasing college supplies this semester.
Tech tools are essential.
College will inevitably require the use of technology. A student’s laptop is often an extension of their body, so it is crucial to purchase a sturdy piece of equipment for a good price. Price is everything when college tuition is sky high.
Amazon is an excellent place to start. Individuals provide workable prices and the opportunity to purchase gently used devices. Staples and Walmart are not too shabby either. They both offer a decent level of quality for a good price.
Basic school supplies are cheap.
It is easy to find necessary school supplies for cheap (and even for free) online. Craigslist, Freecycle, and Hollar.com are three of the most affordable places to find supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and even backpacks. These are the supplies that should never cost more than ten bucks in total.
The most important key to cheap school supplies is time. Do not wait until the night before school starts to begin rounding up materials. Take the time to utilize these resources and save money.
Decorate the dorm room.
If the dorm life is calling, students require a few extra supplies. Towels and other linens are necessary for survival in the dorm. Storage containers, desks, and other small furniture will help students feel closer to the comforts of home.
Walmart, Target, Ikea, and Sam’s Club are a few of the most reasonably priced locations to purchase dorm accessories. Do not be afraid to shop around for seasonal deals.
Never pay full price for textbooks.
Amazon, Chegg, and Bigword are among the leading online sites for purchasing college textbooks at an affordable price. All three companies give students the option to rent, purchase used, or purchase new textbooks at discounted prices.
These sites are quick and easy to use, but it is in the student’s best interest to order books well in advance to the start of the semester. It can sometimes take up to three weeks to receive orders in the busy season.
Snacks give back.
Healthy snacks are a great booster for busy college students. To avoid gaining the famed freshman 20, try researching cheap and healthy ways to create snacks. Peanut butter and whole grain crackers is a good example of a cheap snack idea.