College tuition is pricey enough without spending a fortune getting settled at school. A few smart strategies can help corral expenses.
即使不算在学校食宿的费用，大学学费也很高。一些聪明的办法能帮你控制费用。

Step 1: Shave a year off college 争取早一年毕业
Save up to a year of college tuition by graduating early. Take community college classes and advanced placement tests while you’re still in high school. Once in college, take community college courses during summer that will count towards your

degree; they are usually cheaper than the ones offered at four-year schools.

Step 2: Buy used books 买旧书
Search online for used textbooks as soon as class syllabi are posted on the university’s web site; good deals go fast. At the end of the semester, sell them back to the highest bidder.

Shop around: Some sites rent textbooks; others allow you to download them for about half the price of a new book.

Step 3: Consider a netbook 买一个上网本
Buy a computer that meets your academic needs — and nothing more. For many students, a netbook does the job more cheaply than a laptop.

Don’t bother with a printer; it’s usually cheaper to use the ones in the campus computer lab.

Step 4: Invest in used appliances 买二手物品
Before you invest in a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker for your dorm room, contact your roommate to see if you can divvy up an appliance list. Then find used ones online or in thrift stores.

Step 5: Buy bedding in bulk 买便宜的整套被褥
Buy a bed and bath set that includes a comforter, a single bed sheet set, one pillow, and a towel set all for one price. Some even throw in a hamper.

Step 6: Limit college to four years 如果无法早毕业，一定要在4年内毕业
If you don’t graduate early, do your best to graduate in four years. Some schools make this difficult by limiting the number of credits students can take per semester. But they’ll usually make an exception for a student with a good scholastic record if you ask.

Step 7: Be careful with credit cards 使用信用卡要有节制
Be careful with credit cards. If you sign up for one, read the fine print first and make sure you understand the penalties for paying late and carrying a balance. Don’t charge more than you can pay off each month. And check your statement online every couple of days so you don’t lose track of your spending.