Cutting costs for college

Preparing to go back-to-school can cost you a lot of money, especially if you’re a college student. No longer are you just buying notebooks and supplies, now you need to buy books, room and board and of course. you can’t forget tuition.
Saving on tuition is the big task. You can save several ways. First, look for several scholarship sources such as civic groups and online sites, they’re great sources of unclaimed scholarships.
You can also check with your school for work study programs or become a dorm monitor, tha can cut your room and board fees dramatically.
Two students at Coastal Carolina University said the economy is forcing them to look for deals on just about everything.  
Jamie Wyatt of Kingstree said she tries to save on food costs “You can go to the commons and eat there, do the java city or go to the casino grill on campus, it’s kind of just cheaper to eat here,“ said Wyatt.
“I live right on the backside of campus just to cut down on gas, just because the prices are slowing declining, but their not going down to where a college student can completely afford it,” said Amber Alston.
   
    There are some simple ways you save money:

-Take your first two years at a community college. The costs are normally considerably cheaper. If you can choose a college close to home you can live at home and save room and board. You will save thousands.

-Sign up for classes early and get the text book list early. The early bird gets the used books. You can shop on line too for swaps. You can also download e-books and save money.
-Look for alternative transportation. Ride a bike, carpool, take the bus, walk, whichever is feasible and safe. If you don’t need a car, sell it and save thousands.

-Create a budget.  Most people are living on their own for the first time and need a budget. Know what you have to spend and don’t rely on credit cards or worse, don’t use your loan money, you do have to pay it back in a few short years.

LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://www.fastweb.com/fastweb/register/start-clp?template=51&ref=cpt-3f—http://moneycentral.msn.com/family/home.asp

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/CutCollegeCosts/Your5MinuteGuideToCollegeSavings.aspx

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/CutCollegeCosts/CutCollegeCosts.aspx