Back-to-College 2013 – Dorm Living and More on a Ramen Budget; PromotionalCodes.com Releases Five Rules for College Savings
Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) July 31, 2013 -- Back-to-school season is here and rising tuition and living costs can make budgets tight for college bound students everywhere. PromotionalCodes.com today shared its top rules for finding all of the necessities to hit the books without breaking the bank.
“College requires pricy items like text books, laptops and dorm room electronics,” said PromotionalCodes.com savings expert Regina Novickis. “Students can do research, not only for assignments, but also to save money on everything needed from food to a computer.”
Plenty of retailers cater specifically to back-to-school shoppers so parents and students can save hundreds of dollars by using online promotional codes. Before learning school rules, study these:
Rule #1: Gently Used can be as Good as New
Buying used refrigerators, microwaves and desks is one way to save money, but ensure the items are in proper working order before spending the money. Craigslist.com as well as bulletin boards in common areas around campus are great places to search for listings of used appliances. For dorm room essentials that have to be bought new, cash in on discounts from leading retailers:
• Target.com is currently offering a $5 off coupon and free shipping for orders over $50
• Bed Bath and Beyond is a great stop for bedding and bathroom essentials. Save 20% off one item for in-store purchases with a coupon from PromotionalCodes.com
• Sears Outlet offers 25% to 75% off all appliances including dorm-friendly necessities like mini refrigerators, microwaves, televisions and more
Likewise, for electronics, consider a refurbished model. Sometimes a new model of a camera, phone or computer is much cheaper simply because the box was opened and returned without use. PromotionalCodes.com has a coupon for 25% off Dell computers and even more savings for HP products.
Rule #2: Beg, Borrow and Rent
Textbooks are an expensive necessity but the savings potential can be big when renting or buying used. It’s important to keep textbooks in good condition whether renting or selling after use. Students can also put iPads and Kindles to good use and purchase e-books when available; this is a great option as e-books cost and weigh less. Finally, swap books with friends who may be taking similar courses.
Rule #3: Be On-Trend and On-Budget
The season’s latest clothing and accessory styles can be found at stores such as Tilly’s, PacSun, Nike and Vince Camuto. While most college students don’t have an extensive shopping budget, sales and discounts can make the gear more affordable. Many retailers like J. Crew offer student discounts. It’s also smart to stock up on necessities at end of season sales, even if the item won’t be used for a few months.
Rule #4: Use Gift Card Currency
While it’s smart to plan out weekly meals and eat in as much as possible, every student likes to go out to eat with friends from time to time. Buying gift cards at a discounted price from sites like abcgiftcards.com and cardpool.com allows students to indulge without paying full price. Parents can also use these sites to buy cards and send to students as surprise treats from time to time.
Rule #5: Establish Good Credit
Most adults know how important a credit score can be. The number dictates one’s ability to purchase a home, finance a car and more. Opening a student credit card is a great way to begin establishing credit in a controlled manner. Student cards have low limits such as $250, but will teach students how credit works and help begin to establish a score.
Other good habits to adopt:
• Take advantage of free Wi-Fi on campus and at local cafes
• Save on fuel costs by using public transportation, walking and riding a bicycle
• Use car rental services like Zipcar when a vehicle is absolutely necessary
For more information on back-to-college savings or to find the latest promotional codes and discounts, visit PromotionalCodes.com or follow the site on Facebook or Twitter. Android and iPhone users can also find the latest deals on the free PromotionalCodes.com Coupon App.
Candice Cerro, Surfmyads.com, 424-214-5470 119, [email protected]
Share this article