Shopping for school supplies, whatever your major, can get expensive. A computer science student might need a laptop to program with, an English student might need a list of books, or an art student might need a set of art supplies. Whatever your needs, there are a variety of ways to save money on supplies.
The first tip is to plan out your spending, distinguishing between wanted and needed supplies. Figure out what you need the most and rank your list of supplies by priority, then buy the most important items first. Always make a budget. Set budgets for categories of items or get more specific by planning your spending for each supply.
Art majors in particular know that sometimes the quality of their materials dictates the outcome of their work. Decide where to splurge on supplies and where to work with lesser-quality materials. If you already have functional supplies at home, resist the temptation to replace them with new or more appealing ones.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, take some time to assess your needs and research your options. Students who mostly use web browsers and word processors don’t need much computing power. On the other hand, students using specialized creativity or development software will benefit from more powerful machines.
Consider looking at pre-owned laptops instead of new ones. Think about how long you hope to use your next laptop purchase. Laptops sold as budget machines are often built more cheaply and with less powerful components than mid- or high-range laptops. A high-end laptop from a few years ago often provides better value for money than a new low-end machine.
Don’t forget to ask your peers for help. When you go shopping for school supplies, bring along a friend. Carpooling saves on gas money, and you can help each other stay accountable for impulse buys. Also, ask around to see if any other students have supplies or textbooks from past classes to sell or give away.
Plan out where you’ll shop and start at the cheaper stores before moving on to more expensive, specialty shops. As you shop, keep an eye out for alternative items that might give you better value. Try to avoid impulse purchases. This way, you’ll avoid overspending on unnecessary things early on but allow room for some fun buys.
Always check the websites of stores you plan to shop at for coupons or discounts. Many craft stores, for example, always have coupons available and many items on sale. These sales generally change weekly, so check back for sales on less-urgent purchases.
Once you’ve made your purchases, keep the receipts. Sometimes you might forget you already had an item or not end up using it. Return anything you don’t need for a refund, or at least store credit. Finally, if there’s money left over in your budget, save it for your next supply run — your future self will thank you.
Keep in mind that there are a variety of resources available to CSU students. Many stores and restaurants offer student discounts. Development and creative programs sometimes grant students free access to premium features. CSU students can get three free computer repairs per semester from the Repair Shop.
SRACE, or Student Research and Creative Endeavors, grants, are offered each semester to students doing scholarly or creative activities outside of normal course requirements. These grants can be used for equipment, books, computer software, or even travel for academic presentations, for example. Though SRACE grants must be applied for with the help of a faculty member, they are a fantastic opportunity for students looking to further their scholarly efforts.
