With a new term starting around the corner, it was about time I finally do the inevitable. I logged into my school account, after four tries, and pulled up the bookstore list of required textbooks.

Four required books didn’t seem too bad. Based on past experience I could normally find a couple free PDF versions, one or two used via Amazon, and rent the rest.

Four required textbooks later and I was down $168.23. Yup, that’s right. $168.23 for four textbooks.

I was astonished at how much I had to pay for three classes. So, I decided to do a little research and came up with ten things I could have bought with the money I just spent on my college education.

1. Go Pro Hero 2 (Ebay for $99) and a bunch of accessories (Ebay for $40)

My birthday is next month and this is on my wish list. If I hadn’t bought those four books, I could have bought myself an early birthday present.

2. My entire Urban Outfitters cart ($160.08)

This includes a donut pool float, Bluetooth speaker string lights, and a taco costume. I could have purchased all the necessities and fulfilled my life-long dream of chalking up over $100 at Urban Outfitters.

3. A Lomograph Lomo’Instant Camera Set ($135)

I have no idea what this is to be honest. But, I like photography and if I hadn’t spent that money on textbooks I could have spent money on this.

4. Rent one of these mansions for a night ($100) plus $68.23 to go towards getting there

Check out these mansions here and tell me you’ve never read one of these articles while secretly wishing you could actually go to them.

5. 14 months of the most expensive plan for Netflix (4 screens at a time plus HD plus Ultra HD)

Who doesn’t love Netflix? And who hasn’t shared an account with friends or siblings for as long as possible to put off paying for one alone? Last month I finally took the adult step and starting paying for my own Netflix, the cheapest plan they had. I could have used the textbook money to pay for 14 months of glorious, 4 screens at a time, Netflix at $11.99 per month.

6. Concert Tickets- floor seats to Beyonce anyone? ($167)

#treatyourself

7. A musical instrument- specifically a used Epiphone AJ220sce Acoustic-Electric Guitar ($165)

Maybe I could be the next Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana. Then maybe I wouldn’t need college or those textbooks.

8. $100 on gas to drive to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia plus a night in Heartsone Inn ($68)

I love traveling (who doesn’t?) and lately I’ve been staying up at night researching cities to one day explore. I discovered this place while putting off school stuff.

9. My Kitty Darling Scratching Castle ($86)

I love my cat, and I would do anything for her, including spending an absurd amount of money on something she won’t ever use because she’d rather play with an ice cube or a foil ball.

10. Wine. Lots of wine.