Saving On Illustrated Anatomy Textbooks And Other College Expenses

By Judy Sullivan


The excitement of being accepted into college is a huge relief after the stress of the application process. However, that excitement can quickly become more stress when you start to process the costs associated with attending college. A simple thing like illustrated anatomy textbooks can be so expensive it makes you feel as though you won't be able to afford the things you need. But with the proper planning and use of resources, you can cut many of these costs down to a fraction of what you think they will be. Here are some tips for saving money in two of the primary expense areas.

Buying Your Books: This is often a rude awakening at the beginning of each semester. Even though many colleges give book vouchers, which advance some of your financial aid money, this can still be a burden. Here are some ways to save on books.

1. Use the Internet. There are many websites dedicated to book sales, and some that sell textbooks only. You can often find books for more than half off of the cover price, even when you consider shipping prices.

2. Network with other students, especially those in your major. You might be able to buy or borrow their used books, in print or electronic form.

3. Explore rental and used book options at your school's bookstore. Many of the stores on campuses buy back students' old books and re-sell them. Also, many stores have a rental options, which is a great idea for a book that you know you won't be using after the class is finished.

Housing: Living arrangements make up another large percentage of most students' college expenses. If you are able to cut costs in this area, it can be very beneficial. No one needs the added stress of struggling to make high rent payments while they are also dealing with class work. Some ideas for saving money on housing:

1. Live on campus. This can prove to be the most inexpensive option, especially if you are not paying your own college costs. Parents are often more likely to pay for your housing if it is lumped in with your tuition, the way it is with dorm living. Even if you are financing your own costs, your financial aid may help to cover on-campus living.

2. Live with other people. Having roommates, especially ones who are strangers, can be aggravating. However, it may be worth the aggravation if it will cut your living expenses down to a half or a third of what they would be otherwise. Perhaps you can even find friends to live with.

3. Stay with your parents. More and more people are choosing to stay at home and attend college in their hometown. You may be anxious to get out on your own, but remember: if you can save some money by living with your parents now, you will have a better chance of achieving security once you DO get out on your own.

Beginning a college degree presents the student with many decisions all at once. This can be overhwhelming, but planning in advance can help. Shelling out the cash for those campus activity fees and illustrated anatomy textbooks will hurt much less if you have a budget and a plan in mind.




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