Easy ways to earn more and spend less
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
November 4, 2007 | 6 a.m.
Big expenses and little cash flow define typical student's finances. If you find yourself counting out quarters to get your caffeine fix, then these tips on how to bring in more cash than you spend are for you.
Be wise with water
Buying a water filter can help students save a considerable chunk of change. According to the Sierra Club Web site, purchasing a gallon of bottled water will cost around a $1.27 compared to 13 cents a gallon for filtered water. Filling a reusable water bottle with tap water will also do the trick.
Purchase student software
University students are eligible to buy discounted computer software that they can keep even after they graduate. Adobe offers a Contractual License Program (CLP). According to Adobe.com, this allows a university to buy in bulk for a discounted price. The programs available include Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat, among others.
Students can purchase these programs in room 154 at the HDL Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit the Ohio University technology Web site.
Become an online juror
Ejury.com gives lawyers opportunities to find strengths and weaknesses through a mock trial environment. Participants must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen. Citizens whom have been convicted of a felony cannot serve on an e-jury. Other conditions are described in more detail on the Web site.
For every verdict reached, e-jurors are paid somewhere between $5-10, depending on the length of the case they participate in.
For more information visit the e-jury Web site.
Donate plasma locally
According to the BioLife Web site, a healthy person can donate plasma twice a week as long as there is a 48-hour period between donations. It takes about an hour and a half to donate plasma. However, the first visit will take an additional hour and a half to complete a medical history exam to make sure the donor is in good health. Donors must be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. They must also eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water prior to donating.
Donors are paid for the time they spend giving plasma, according to BioLife staff. Compensation for donating plasma is $25 on the first visit and $35 on the second visit. Through giving plasma, donors can earn up to $240 a month if they are physically able to donate twice a week.
Try to use as little gas as possible
Take advantage of being on a college campus and walk to class or take free campus transportation such as the Campus Area Transit Service (CATS).
If you must drive, then you can take easy steps to save some gas money. The first thing that you can do is take care of your car. According to the Forbes Web site, wheel alignment, correct tire pressure and a tight fuel cap can make a difference in gas mileage. Similarly, taking unnecessary cargo out of the trunk is a way to save gas by reducing the weight of the car. Forbes.com adds that driving 5 mph slower on the highway can decrease fuel consumption by 7 percent.
Take advantage student ID perks
Recently, the Arts for Ohio Initiative allows students to attend most performances of the College of Fine Arts for free with student ID. In the past these events cost around $12 per person, per event.
Most student sporting events are also free with the use of a student ID, with the exception of hockey. Check out the student events calendar on the OU Web site for other events that are free to students.
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