Back to college savings tips

Don't purchase new school items if what you have on hand is still good. This goes for everything from pencils, backpacks, to clothes. If your clothes are not worn out, remember in college students can have their own identities and don't always need the latest fashions. This is a great tip for saving money for college right of the bat.

If you must shop, shop online. If you browse the stores in person, you will be enticed by all the fancy displays and new items. College students readily give in to buying urges. Shopping online allows you to get exactly what you need.

This is a no-brainer: Buy used textbooks. Of course this means shopping early at the college bookstore or online. You should get enrolled and a book list as soon as possible. 

As a college student, you have to set a budget. And stick with it. You want to limit your purchases and save money, not live on the edge. Money you save is cash in your pocket for the future!

If you live in the college dorm, wait to see what your roommate has. No reason to buy items for a dorm room when your roommate might already have them. If you need something else, ask them to share the cost for items that the dorm room needs. This is ideal for TVs, lamps, chairs, rugs, etc.

As far as school items like pens, pencils, and paper, it is always wise to stock up early when the prices are cheap. College students should buy items in bulk packages. Don't buy one pencil, buy a pack of ten. Similar for paper and pens. You will use them, so why not stock up and save?

Look for sales. Every store has sales at the start of the school year. This can happen early, and may not run later. Savvy college students always shop during sales.

Get your student discount! If you have a college ID, many stores offer discounts for students. Take advantage of them!