Your student ID is more than just a library card

NEW YORK (8/21/07)--Whether you're an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, all college students want to know how to get the most for their money. Follow these tips and your pocketbook will stay a little fatter (SmartMoney.com Aug. 13).

You're not only going to need a computer for checking your Facebook and MySpace pages, but it also will come in handy for writing those last-minute papers. So Google these three websites to get the best student discount.

• Apple Store for Education. Apple offers 5% to 10% off desktop and laptop computers, as well as software. This discount applies to iPods, too.
• Dell Higher Education. The discount depends on which type of system you purchase, but you can save 2% to 7% off your desktop and laptop computer. And if you've been known to spill things, you might want to buy the protection plan, which would save an additional 8% to 10%.
• HP Academic Purchase. You can save around 6% if you're a student when buying a computer, depending on the model. Also, save up to 50% on select printers and cameras if you shop here.

Make sure, too, to ask if your college offers student discounts on computer hardware and software.

Save money on transportation when Thanksgiving and winter break roll around. If you join the International Student Travel Confederation for $22.50 a year, you'll receive discounts for airlines, trains, buses and ferries. The best part: You can buy your ticket with little or no advance purchase restrictions, giving you some flexibility.

And finally, check out your campus student life and alumni affairs office for discounts at local restaurants and stores. For example, students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison can pick up a Bucky Book that contains hundreds of two-for-one savings and 50%-off purchases.

For more information, read "College Costs Update" in the Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org