By Melissa Melgar, Staff Reporter
Starting a new semester can be a little nerve racking for many reasons, but out of all the reasons, there is one that most students can relate to, and that is how expensive school can get. From professors requiring students to purchase expensive textbooks, to laptops and tablets that are now a core essential to pass a class, it can get overwhelming especially if there is a tight budget involved.
As of recently, more companies have put out apps and websites that help college students with their financial burdens. From coupon codes, major discounts, and even free access to textbooks, it could all be found just a click away. These apps can help you budget better and maintain that budget as well. Here are the top three go-to websites for savings.
1. UNiDAYS
UNiDAYS is a website made for students where they offer the best discounts on clothing, beauty, food, tech, and more. Students can download the “myUNiDAYS” app on their phones and start instantly saving on over 150 brands. They offer huge discounts on brands like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft. Students can sign up for free with their student email so that it can verify that they are a current student.
2. IKEA
If you are looking for new room decor or have recently moved in with a roommate and need quick, simple, but affordable home essentials, then IKEA is the place for you. IKEA has special offers for college students that can make their college experience a more comfortable one. Their offers range from all types of furniture, decor, and storage space that are unique just for you. You can plan out how you would want your room to look by going to their in-store showrooms.
3. Free Textbook Links When you first start your college journey, a lot of professors make buying the class textbook mandatory. Some even ask for proof of purchase for a couple of points. Most of these textbooks can even go as high as $300. For a lot of students, this can be money used for rent or even groceries. There are websites that provide free PDFs of textbooks that you can download onto your laptop, tablets, and computers. Be aware that not all textbooks will be found on these websites due to restrictions and copyright issues.
Here are 6 websites to help obtain a free textbook.
Saving money is crucial as a college student, especially in times like these when a lot of students are still searching for jobs after the pandemic. Not only will these hacks help you throughout your college journey, but they can also help you in the future. It can teach you to always search for better alternatives for certain items before purchasing it for full price.
