College can be a tough road. Whether you are just out of high school or you are older and trying to change careers, college is a challenge financially.

For most, college is worth itandattheendofitallyou have a shiny new diploma that will unlock tons of ways to increase your earnings.

So how do you manage to save money in the meantime? This has been the main question of starving students for a long time.

Here are my tips to help you save money while you’re at Madison Area Technical College.

• Do not buy new books! The biggest mistake I see is people purchasing all new books. While there are some classes that you can not help but get a new book, you should always check alternative such as Chegg, Amazon, or eBay before shelling out that $200 to $300 on a new book.

• Save money on your new laptop. Most computer companies have tax free days and discount days leading up to back to school. Look for those first, however do not skimp on the quality of your laptop. If you have to buy a new one every year or two, then you are spending more money then it is worth. Instead, spend a little more and go for high quality.

• Watch out for credit cards. In college you will see loads of ads for the latest credit card deal. If you do not pay attention, you will fall into a dreadful cycle of interest and repayment that can have severe long-term consequences.

• Limit eating out. If you have a meal plan use it. Otherwise, save money and eat healthier by making your lunch at home and bringing it with you. You save money and enrich your life this way by making healthy food and eliminating the drive-thru line.

• Be careful when choosing your housing. Living with a roommate is usually cheaper than living on your own off campus.

• Use campus amenities. From intramural activities to a fitness center, Madison College offers a lot of amenities to help you enrich your life.

• Get a coffee maker. Instead of forking out $5 a day on a latte, why not make a pot and refill as often as you want? That $5 can go further if you spend it on a bag of coffee versus one latte.

• Monitor your cell usage or get an unlimited plan that is affordable. If you’re constantly going over your plan and getting slapped with fees, why not just spend $20 extra to get unlimited everything. Straight Talk Wireless at Walmart has a good unlimited plan for $45.

• Stay focused on your classes. The reality is that many students do not focus well, and some end up having to repeat a class or two. The cost of extra classes can add up.