Going back to school can get very expensive very quickly. You go in thinking you need paper and pencils and the next thing you know you’ve spent $100 in the blink of an eye. College students are broke, really broke. I mean, only eating once a day if you’re lucky broke. The struggle is real. So, to help you and your broke needs. I have come up with some tips and tricks.

Here is a list of tips and tricks to save money this back to school season.

1. Save the old folders/binders you have

You do not need the newest pieces of plastic to put the paper into. What is the point of getting new binders? Unless they are completely destroyed, just don’t get new folders/binders.

2. Only buy articles of clothing you know that you are going to need for the upcoming year

You do not need to go out and drop $500 on clothes that you will wear less than a handful of times.

3. Carpool

To save money on your commute, you can carpool… If you can stand to be around other human beings at 6 in the morning.

4. Pack your lunch

An excellent way to save money is to pack your lunch. You will save tons of money a year by packing your lunch. Going out every day to lunch isn’t healthy for you or your wallet.

5. Keep snacks in your backpack/purse/car

An excellent way to save money is to keep snacks in your backpack, purse, or car. Instead of running out or buying something out of a vending machine when you are hungry you can just eat your snack that you brought with you. It also saves time, because all you have to do is just reach in your bag and there you are.

6. Request your books from the library

Many students don’t want to take the time or effort to request the books they need for the year from the public library. This is perfect for you. Because the availability will be more and you will be able to get your books for free.

7. If your required texts are old enough, they will be public domain

Which means, it's free y’all. Go online and find it for free. There is no reason you need to pay $8 when you could download a public domain book for free.

8. Look up if your textbook is available in PDF form online.

This is by far the sketchy-est option. Because it may, or may not be legal. Often you will not even be able to find your textbook’s PDF.

9. Take advantage of free food.

If there is a campus event or club meeting, there will likely be free food. Take all the free food you like. Now you don’t have to eat dinner. You’re welcome. You may not be able to speak Arabic, but you can speak pizza.

10. Don’t buy a morning coffee.

You do not need to get a morning Starbucks. Purchase a coffee maker and wake up 2 minutes earlier. I just saved you $4.