The month of August marks the downward cycle of Summer and the beginning of most Universities fall schedule. In many college cities around the US, students will embark on an exciting journey of education and freedom, but some will also find they become strapped for greenbacks amidst a multitude of ways to spend money. This article may help some students find their way financial way through the first semester.

1. Buy Textbooks Online - The first place to save money comes with the books you need for classes. You can find great deals online for many of the books you’ll need for class. Of course, it might take a little while for them to arrive, but who needs to study? Most sites like Amazon, Borders, or Textbooks.com provide clear delivery estimates, taking the guessing out of when you’ll receive your Bio 101 book.
2. Buy Pizza Online - Of course, pizza comes with most college diets. It’s the college cereal of choice. If you haven’t been flipping pizzas in a hut over the summer, then you may not know you can order many of your favorites pies right online. Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and Dominos all three have a made to order online service. Many of the online pizza makers also give you great deals when you make your first order online. Just remember to use coupons through the site to save money on future pizza cravings.
3. Forget Credit Card Tshirt Offers - Outside your the college football or basketball stadium, you’ll likely come across an MBNA or Chase booth offering you a proud tshirt of your University. The Flying Squid tshirt looks promising, but having a credit card may dampen more than you first year of college. Many of these credit card companies give out debt to college students, knowing they’ll be making money in a few years. It’s kind of like a fishing bait store giving out worms, then demanding all the fish you catch. Don’t do it. Use cash, and for everything else — ask your parents.
4. Flaunt Your Status - Many campuses have restaurants and stores begging for students time, and, well, money. They need it to survive, and you need stylish clothes to impress your classmates. They usually have student discounts when you shop there. This can include clothing and food stores, but make sure you’re actually receiving a discount before buying three to get one deal. The Flying Squids survived without all your school spirit.
5. Make Use of School Resources - Many campuses have wireless internet available for student use, just don’t be downloading off Limewire. You don’t want to end up on the short end of a lawsuit. That’s the quickest way to lose money. You can also use the plethora of school computers to print assignments and to even do the homework. It’s not like you want to buy a brand new laptop, right?