You have more to worry about than the Freshman 15. Food and alcohol may be your biggest foes now, but when you get done with school those credit card and loan bills are the real pain. We would like to help you ensure that you leave school with the least amount of debt and start your life on the right foot.

1. Leave the credit cards alone.
   Trust me you have enough t-shirts. Stop listening to all the propaganda on campus that the credit card companies throw at you. Have ONE credit card for spending and pay it off at the end of every month. Don’t turn the freshman 15 into the senior $15,000 owed.
2. Go without a car if you can.
   On a big campus? There’s a bus system, promise. Small campus? Get off your butt and walk. It’s better for your health and your pocketbook. A car payment, insurance, parking, and gas are all a huge part of any budget. If you can, just go without.
3. Get involved and be fed!
   Most student organizations and churches are not only great places to meet people, but also great places to be fed. I ate at least 3 dinners a week for free being a part of church, plus free parking right next to campus!
4. Make friends in your program.
   The more people you know in your degree track, the better. You get friendly faces in classes, study buddies, and most importantly, reduced price or free textbooks. As long as the new edition hasn’t come out, friends that have taken the class before can save you hundreds on buying books.
5. Bring that ID card everywhere.
   Living in a college town affords you many benefits, especially in discounts. Many businesses know that you are their bread and butter and are willing to give you a discount for being a part of that group. Always bring it with you and ASK; you never know when an extra 10% will equal hundreds of dollars of savings.
6. Use the school for all it’s worth.
   Most likely your school has a gym, use it. You’re paying fees for so many things. Next time you look at your bill, look at the fees, and use those services! Don’t pay a gym membership fee twice!
7. Network, network, network.
   Alumni are always willing to help out their brethren. Get involved with a shadowing program. You will learn a lot about the REAL world, gain valuable contacts, and even gain a free meal or two at a nice restaurant. Those contacts could also turn into a nice internship down the road.
8. What? A Library?
   Get away from bookstores and borrow those books you take to the coast for spring break. Most libraries carry not only research material, but also the new fiction books found at local bookstores. Get to know the librarian, and she might even hold one for you when it comes in.
9. Boxing up for free.
   Those local bookstores we just banned you from – hit them up for boxes. The major bookstores get huge shipments of books everyday and they just recycle the boxes. When you move to that new apartment with your 5 closest friends, don’t buy boxes, call the local bookstore and ask if you can have some of theirs.
10. Take care of you, not an animal.
    Do NOT get a pet in college, no matter how lonely you might feel. Pet deposits on apartments and the pet itself taxing on your time and wallet. Pets are great companions, but not when you are pulling all nighters at the library. They rely on you to feed and take care of them. College is about you, leave the pets at home.
11. Bargain with the neighbors.
    Multiple unit dwellings (aka apartments) are busting with people on tight budgets. Get to know your neighbors for many reasons: friendship, emergencies, parties, and internet. Make a deal with a neighbor and share the internet bill. Cut off access to other moochers with a password and only give it to those that help with the bill.
12. Consolidate your loans after college.
    Federal loans are fantastic, but even better if you consolidate them and lock down the rate. Even better, if you set a payment schedule with direct debit, they’ll knock down your rate again after a year of good payments.
13. Get a job.
    Jobs in school can provide much needed entertainment money and something to do in your down time. The right job can even gain you experience that will be invaluable when you graduate. The less time you have to be at the mall, the less money you’ll spend.
14. Use the bank most seen on campus.
    ATMs can be major drainers on the checking account. When you are scouting out the school before your freshman year, be sure to note which bank (credit union if they have one) is most visible on campus. You’ll save 4 years of ATM fees.

Other Resources

• Saving Tips for Students Beyond Conventional Wisdom
• Your Credit Advisor