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Community Living Can Save You Cash
By Lauren Bayne Anderson
January 25, 2010
When you’re on campus— and on a budget— community living is the way to go. When you share with your neighbors, you all benefit. You can get everything from cheap meals, to entertainment, to free textbooks and in most cases you’ll spend a few bucks – and sometimes NOTHING. It’s the perfect financial plan for any student, whether you’re saving up for spring break or paying all of your tuition on your own.
Here are some ideas to make community living work for you:
- Organize a textbook swap! When hosted at a central location on campus it’s a great way for you — and hundreds of your campus cohorts to get your textbooks for FREE. Find out more.
- Eat for cheap. Potlucks, “potluck crawls” and barbeques are a great way to socialize — and eat — for just a few bucks. Do them once a week and they still never get old. Find out more.
- Entertainment doesn’t have to come at a cost. From movie nights, to card tournaments to BYOB TV watching parties, these cheap ideas require a group—but not a wad of cash. Find out more.
- Upgrade You. Tired of wearing the same old outfits? Get some new clothes without spending a dime, by organizing a clothing swap and a few other cost-saving ideas. Find out more.
- Let Your Dorm Mates Pay You. Looking for a way to make some extra cash without getting a job? Organizing a raffle or auction in your dorm can make you some quick cash! Find out more.

charles73
almost 2 years ago
Something that saved us a lot of money was that a whole bunch of us got together and made a special deal with the local grocery.So each time we bought something there we got a nice discount.Tons of ways to save, just be a little creative.
pfckenney
about 2 years ago
I agree on the money does run out and it is really hard to make it
KonstantinT2
about 2 years ago
Great Ideas
Venannai17
about 2 years ago
good ideas. but i have 2 disagree, CC in the long run cost you more money despite having a lower tuition
britney69
about 2 years ago
it does save you money.even thouh it cost more if you dont live in the state that the college is in.but community collges does cost less then a university.