8 CLACKAMAS PRINT • SEPTEMBER 28.2015
Desperate for discounts
Story and photo by Shaylyn Struna
Being a college student can be tough, whether
you're a full-time student living at home or living
on your own trying to hold down a job. On top of
worrying about classes and homework, finances are
a big stressor. A full-time student can expect to pay
around $1,000 to $1,200 per term. And that’s just
tuition, not the school supplies and textbooks many
students end up paying for out of pocket.
There’s no need to worry though. You can still save
money while being a college student. Here are a few
ways how to do that.
There are many cheaper alternatives to buying
books. At Clackamas Community College, the Asso
ciated Student Government runs a book exchange.
This book exchange opens on Sept. 28 and stays
open for two weeks. There is a $2 contract fee that
allows you to sell up to eight textbooks, which
is a small price to pay when you’re able to save
hundreds. When selling textbooks, you choose your
own selling price. For buying textbooks, you pay in
cash. According to ASG member Adrianna Castillo,
the most expensive book that’s been sold was $80
but most are between $10 and $30.
Other alternatives include renting and buying
textbooks online. Of course Amazon is a popular,
well-known choice. Amazon offers textbook rentals
at a cheaper price than purchasing them. Amazon
also provides you with a shipping label to return the
book at no extra cost to you.
Chegg and Valore Books are two others that
offer rentals and cheaper buying prices. These are
also websites that allow you to compare prices to
find the best deal for you. These include Textbook
Rentals, Big Words and Book Finder. Campus Book
Rentals is another great website that offers rentals
only with free shipping and return shipping. Many
sites offer ebooks as well, which are far cheaper
than hardcopies.
As far as school supplies go, there are cheap
er options than buying from a campus bookstore.
Staples is a great place with awesome back-to-
school deals. Office Depot, Office Max and Walmart
all have low prices on back to school items as well.
Student and ASG member Adam Cnossen said he
was able to “buy a $160 calculator for $120 because
Office Max price matches items sold on Amazon.”
Best Buy is offering discounts on MacBooks and
select laptops. Microsoft also offers a 10 percent
student discount. Even better, Microsoft offers a
free download of Microsoft office for select colleges.
To snatch up this freebie go to this website; http://
www.m lcrosoft.com /enus/education/students
/default.aspx.
So yes, being a college student can be tough. It's
pretty expensive and often is stressful but it also has
its perks. Many places offer a student discount; so
take advantage of that. While you're out and about,
don’t be afraid to ask. Many places do not advertise
these student discounts but will honor them if you
just ask.
Student discounts:
Electronics and Software
Apple - 5 percent
Microsoft -10 percent
Adobe - Up to 60 percent
Amazon - Half off Amazon Prime
Sony -10 percent
Corel - Special prices
Lenovo - Up to 25 percent
Franchises
Chipotle - Free drink
Subway -10 percent
Burger King -10 percent
Waffle House - 10 percent
Arbys -10 percent
McDonalds -10 percent
Dairy Queen -10 percent
Jiffy Lube -10 percent or $10 off
Insurance
State Farm - 25 percent
All State - 20 percent
Geico - $200 off
Esurance -15 percent
Phones
Check with your phone company
for student discounts
New student Amanda Rusch, left, and second-year student Hannah Dugan select their textbooks In the bookstore for fall term.