Savings not scams.

Today the NY Times is running a story about college financial problems. I’m going to level with my readers here. I didn’t actually read it. I’m not sure why I expected something like this from the NY Times, but I was ready for a short article with bullet points on how to cut costs. Since I recently put myself back in the ranks of poor students I thought I would be able to use some advice about cutting costs. Since the Times obviously doesn’t know their audience I am going to attempt to do it my self for any potential college age readers. Never mind that my posts might be used by elementary school teachers to show their student how not to write.

• Save money on books.

There are many ways to do this, but one sure fire/obvious way is to make use of your schools library. You should be able to get your syllabus pretty early on, which hopefully maps out what you are supposed to know by the end of the semester. Once you know which chapters you are supposed to read, head to the library and find out how much copies cost. Hopefully, you don’t need the whole book, because xerox copies of the whole book may cost more than just buying it, but probably not. If you get hassled by the library staff because of their policy on “maximum” pages, tell them that you are in pre-law and it’s not smart for them to stifle your learning opportunities, unless they want to be sued under the basis of Chensky v. Education. This part is really key, because it’s how you sell it that depends on if you get away with it. If your instructor requires some sort of in class reading, find the most timid person in your class, sit with them and tell them, “You forgot your book” and ask if they mind if you just share for the day. Depending on the class size, you can probably get a way with this for a few weeks. If you’re a female, this tends to work even better.

• Save Money On Food

Find out if your school has a policy on scrap hunting. This is when you just peruse the cafeteria or food court and wait for someone to leave their plate and move in for the kill. This sounds trashy? Try dressing similar to the janitorial staff and bring your own “bus bin”. People will not bat an eye. You might hear, “Pack your lunch, it’s cheaper.” Sure, you can do this if you want to look like a nerd. In a pinch you can also pull the forgot my wallet routine. This only works if you invite some sucker to lunch to a place that you pay for the food after the meal. Granted this is not a way to make friends and influence people, but you have your whole post college career to worry about that.

• Make money

Sure there’s all sorts of ways to make “legitimate” money on campus, but you need something with a big pay out. Some people enjoy being in a work-study program, but that sounds like a waste of time to me. Try hosting a cook out in the quad. I think you can buy a hibachi grill for pretty cheap. Throw in a little more and you’ve got some hot dogs. If I’ve learned anything from L.A’s major rock radio station, when you call anything a wienie roast, people show up. Mark up the price or charge extra for napkins and you’re golden. Other options are modeling for art classes, medical studies, and plasma donations.

• Cut dorm room costs

Generally dorms come with basic furniture, so don’t sweat that. If you need a microwave or hot plate, get to the dorms early. That’s the best time to scout out who has the amenities you need. Plus, you just made a new friend. What you’ve got now is two stones:one bird. Need to decorate for cheap? Find flyers for bands around campus and use those as posters. You will not only look hip, but people will think you are deep and well rounded. Need a rug? Look for freebies like this drawing over at DC.

Hopefully, this will help many of you this Fall. I’m still trying to figure out how to convince employers that you can be home schooled for college too. Until then try these steps and watch the money pile up.