Tips for Saving Money in College

Even students who are working a part-time job find college life expensive. If you have no source of income, it can be extra difficult. Whatever your situation, you need to find as many ways to save money as possible without cutting out all the pleasures in life.

1. Buy Used Textbooks

New textbooks have a high sticker price. The good news is it’s often unnecessary to purchase them new. Students who are graduating or finishing a class no longer have any need for their textbooks and are often looking to sell. In fact, you may be able to save all your money by borrowing books from another student or from the college library.

2. Pay in Cash

Paying in cash makes it easier spend less. If you do need a credit card, never spend more than what you have in the moment and make sure you always pay off the balance in full each month.

3. Find Cheaper Housing

One of your biggest expenses is student housing in Peterborough. Students looking to save money should move off campus into rented rooms and apartments. This is almost always cheaper, even when the rental is right by campus.

4. Work Hard to Graduate on Time

Spending an extra semester in college will add to your expenses. You will not only need to continue paying for tuition, you will be missing out on the opportunity to work full time and start paying off your student debt. Do whatever it takes to pass classes now, even if it means more expenses in the short term, like tutoring.

5. Make Full Use of Campus

There are plenty of free resources and activities on campus. Check these out before seeking paid options. For instance, your college may hold free movie nights, social events, and fitness classes.

6. Buy a Coffee Maker

If you can’t manage without your morning coffee, purchase a coffee maker for your room or apartment. You could share with friends to split the cost and make it even cheaper. Even if you need to pay for the whole machine yourself, this is much cheaper than buying coffee on a daily basis.

The place to save the most money is likely accommodation. This means seeking out better student rentals in Peterborough and students can find off-campus residence in Severn Court. The housing is just for students, includes everything you need, and offers flexible lease options to help you save even more money.

How to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate

For most college students, living with a roommate is an inevitability. Unfortunately, some students may also find themselves eventually living with a difficult roommate. Oftentimes, you aren’t allowed to choose your own roommate in college or university. And while roommate preference sheets can be used to help place you with a compatible roommate, sometimes you can run into issues. Thus, you may find yourself living with someone you don’t like (or who doesn’t like you), don’t get along with and don’t share the same living standards. However, there are always ways to deal with difficult people, especially roommates. Below are a few of these ‘ways.’ 

Ask the Resident Advisor (RA) for Help

Difficult roommates are usually called such because they’re disrespectful, inconsiderate, irresponsible and unwilling to make or follow any rules. Report the situation and ask for advice on what actions to take or how to best remedy the situation. Most likely, the advisor will refer you to the housing department or a counselor. Just keep in mind that it’s okay to seek help and take advice in difficult situations. It could prevent major problems, extreme stress or a dangerous situation. 

If you’re looking for rooms to rent, Peterborough offers Severn Court Student Residence, where you can live with chosen roommates or be matched according to your lifestyle preferences and more.

Set Ground Rules

Ground rules can help make sharing a space as easy and pleasant as possible. They’re also the perfect way to express your personal values, living standards and expectations for sharing a space. Sit down with your roommate and set rules at the beginning of your residency. Make sure these rules include:

• ·         Expectations for cleaning and cooking (if applicable)
• ·         A chore chart, cleaning schedule and/or expectations for keeping your room neat and tidy
• ·         Guidelines for having guests
• ·         A schedule for studying, as well as guidelines for noise levels, visitors, etc. during these times
• ·         Preferences for curfews and sleeping hours
• ·         Statements on pet peeves, dealing with annoying habits, etc.
• Setting ground rules could be essential for getting along with an incompatible roommate, as long as they’re willing to respect and follow them. It can also be useful in all roommate situations, including living off campus and sharing one of the student apartments for rent Peterborough offers.

Be Upfront with Issues and Confront Them Head On

Passive aggressiveness can be counterproductive, frustrating, disrespectful and unnerving. So, if your roommate creates an issue, has bad habits or does something you don’t like, confront them head on. State your feelings about the issue and suggest working together to find a solution. Moreover, be patient and sure to present your feelings and approach him or her in a calm, respectful manner – learn your cultural and/or personal difference and practice understanding. Try to avoid leaving passive aggressive notes or messages and addressing him/her when you’re not in person. Most importantly, if you notice an issue, bring it up and talk about it right away. Allowing things to build up or fester can breed anger and contempt, possibly leading to explosive confrontations and/or more problems.