Trying to be a frugal student!

[Alee142010]

123

[Angela273]

There is another new SC thread about cutting costs on textbooks.
I just finished my degree in April, so I understand. I would suggest checking out used books. Sometimes professors will be okay with you using an older edition, just ask. The UofS had their own classifieds section for students on their PAWS accounts. You can also check out kijiji, the school's own used book website, student run used book store, posters on campus, etc.

You can also get books for a lot less on Amazon.ca than the school book store. You could use Amazon.ca gcs that you earn from websites such as swagbucks.

[Shwa Girl]

Agree with Angela273 's advice.

Don't forget all the discounts you can get being a student
* Bulk Barn discount on Wednesday
* SPC card
* Microsoft software discount to students (may be advertised at your school)
* student passes for travel (Air Canada & VIA rail)
* public transit student passes
* student accounts at banks (some banks are better than others)
* student rates when you belong to your professional association (don't know what the ECE association is)
* student packages through Internet providers (Bell has a 8 month student rate package)

[weasy71]

Good job trying to cut costs. its hard for students I know but every dime counts...

[McKitty]

Have you also searched the web for free published PDFs (Google Scholar?) or Amazon books? I find now getting a Kindle copy of my books is best. I can look into if you need to own a Kindle to get the books...possibly not because they can be read on your computer also. Value Village and thrift stores are also good in University towns, they even have Texas Instruments fancy calculators sometimes! Also a few posts on usedvictoria (whatever your city is) and craigslist asking for what you want for free as a donation for a hardworking student, or for best offer or trade for yard work, other books, child minding, etc. Also checking books out of the library and home scanning them so you can read them on your computer is great (or at a friend's where there is a scanner). You can also go extreme and sit at the actual library to use the expensive books (take down notes relevant to each section PLUS write down references and citations if you're writing papers). Then go home and work. Or buy books with one other friend, share the cost, and trade times or study together. Sometimes a professor can put a book on reserve in the library so you can go use it without checking it out (but also without buying). Professional organizations and local resource centers for ECE sometimes also have important books in a lending library or to read in the waiting room. And places that you may wish to do practica or volunteering at may have the books, or have people working there who will lend them to you in exchange for volunteering (which also boosts your resume and could find you a mentor).
Phew! Hope any of this helps.

[Alee142010]

Yes, I forgot to mention I have purchased a few of the books on Amazon .. TY!

There is another new SC thread about cutting costs on textbooks.
I just finished my degree in April, so I understand. I would suggest checking out used books. Sometimes professors will be okay with you using an older edition, just ask. The UofS had their own classifieds section for students on their PAWS accounts. You can also check out kijiji, the school's own used book website, student run used book store, posters on campus, etc.

You can also get books for a lot less on Amazon.ca than the school book store. You could use Amazon.ca gcs that you earn from websites such as swagbucks.

[Alee142010]

Agree with Angela273 's advice.

Don't forget all the discounts you can get being a student
* Bulk Barn discount on Wednesday
* SPC card
* Microsoft software discount to students (may be advertised at your school)
* student passes for travel (Air Canada & VIA rail)
* public transit student passes
* student accounts at banks (some banks are better than others)
* student rates when you belong to your professional association (don't know what the ECE association is)
* student packages through Internet providers (Bell has a 8 month student rate package)

Are you able to do this without student ID? Because I am going thru an online college COTR) and I don't think I get student ID..

[teegansmom]

Are you able to do this without student ID? Because I am going thru an online college COTR) and I don't think I get student ID..

I just use my confirmation of enrollment forms and it is usually good enough for most places.. i have found that as long as the college is shown and your name is on it, it is fine. You might have to show your regular ID as e-mail from school doesnt have your pic