Posted on April - 17 - 2010
Things NOT to Spend Money on in College
If you are attending college for the first time in the fall, you have probably been inundated with a list of items you need to buy before your folks drop you off at the dorms, from a laptop to a shower caddy. Well, here is the opposite of that list. Here are some things you will be tempted to pay for in college – but shouldn’t.
New Books at the Bookstore – During my entire freshman year in college, I bought all of my books at my school’s bookstore. I spent a little over $1,000. After that, a friend introduced me to Half.com. From then on, the most I ever spent in a semester was $150. The point is, there are so many options out there for finding the textbooks you need, that you should consider your college bookstore like a last resort. Check out Half.com, Amazon.com, or even eBay. Ask your professor if she keeps one on hold at the school library. Speak with a couple of classmates to see if they are interested in sharing a book.
All of these are better options than the school bookstore.
Writing Services – Regardless of your major, you’re going to have to do a lot of writing in college. You will also see a number of ads from “writing professionals” who want to lend you a helping hand. Do. Not. Bother. First and foremost, having someone do your work for you is unethical. You and/or your family are paying a lot of money for you to get an education, not to have some hustler do your work. Second, it’s astronomically stupid. Many professors are wise to these services and all it takes is a hint of suspicion and a quick Google search and you will be busted. These days, many colleges and universities have zero-tolerance academic honesty policies. It’s just not worth it. Write your own paper.
Fast Food – You will be tempted as a student to simply spring for a burrito and a Coke every night. Don’t. While it’s okay to cheat every so often (I used to allow myself fast food on Friday and Saturday, and either cooked or visited the dining hall every other day), if you become a regular at your area Burger King, you’re going to get a head start on your Freshman 15, and the only thing you will have that’s skinny is your wallet.
Credit Card fees – If you elect to get a credit card for school, be responsible. Set up automatic billing so you don’t miss a payment and get hit with a late fee.
ScholarshipPoints code: NOSPEND
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