How to Save Money While Going to Graduate School
Making smart choices every day will save you a lot of money while going to graduate school. It is possible to economize and still eat well and enjoy a full social life. It’s just a matter of keeping your budget in check with a little planning, a bit of resourcefulness and a positive attitude.
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Instructions
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Avoid the school bookstore. Buy and sell textbooks online using websites like Amazon.com and Half.com. When the semester ends, put your books online right away. The older the edition, the less money you will get for the book.
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Nix the car. Don't pay for gas, insurance and maintenance when you can ride a bicycle, use school-sponsored shuttle services and take public transportation. Sign up for guest rewards at Amtrak.com and you will earn points toward free rail travel each time you buy a ticket. Use services like STA travel to save money on group trips.
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Make smart food choices. Even if you live off campus, consider buying a meal plan. Your up-front cost may seem high, but look at it as an investment. You will avoid expensive restaurant meals and tips. You won’t need to grocery shop or cook. You’ll eat more regularly and free up valuable time to study, exercise and work. When you need to splurge on a meal, use coupons available at Restaurant.com.
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Avoid vending machines. Buy soft drinks in bulk at your local superstore and save up to 75 percent per bottle. Purchase nuts, raisins and other dried fruits, and create your own healthy snack packs. Forget buying bottled water. Purchase a water purifier and a refillable water bottle. Save even more money by brewing your own coffee.
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Take advantage of free entertainment. Your local newspaper lists free concerts, art galleries and fairs. Use your library card to reserve free museum passes and to borrow books, CDs and videos. Download free legal music at Ruckus.com and audio books at Librovix.com. Watch free TV on your computer using Hula.com.
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Tips & Warnings
Save money while going to graduate school by downloading a free suite of office applications at Openoffice.org.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.morguefile.com/archive/?display=85780&
