Måned: august 2019

Hannah Doyle is an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Back in the United States, Hannah is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle.

It’s no secret that university is expensive, but back-to-school season doesn’t have to break the bank. These 5 money-saving hacks will help you get the most bang for your buck this school year.

1. Shop around for your textbooks

University textbooks can be outrageously expensive. That said, it is possible to save money if you shop smart. Here’s what I personally recommend:

• Avoid the university bookstore – ordering online is cheaper. Amazon is my favorite, but Chegg and Barnes & Nobel are popular too.
• Buy used instead of new – it’ll save you half the price.
• Rent instead of buy – if you won’t need the textbook for future reference, there’s no need to own it.

2. Use your student discounts

Your student ID card will help you recoup a little cash. Hundreds of establishments – from food to fashion to news and entertainment – offer discounts for college students. If you want to purchase a new laptop or upgrade your wardrobe before school starts, do some Googling for discounts before you finalize the transaction.

3. Attend on-campus events

There are always events and activities happening on-campus. From movie nights to DIY tutorials to concerts to cultural festivals, you have the option of staying on-campus at no additional cost as opposed to going out on the town. Many student organizations also host their own events (and provide free food!) or go on retreats, which is a great way to have fun and make new friends with similar interests.

Why pay when you can participate for free, get a free t-shirt and free food?

4. Know the campus amenities

Universities offer many amenities that are included in your tuition. For example, at the University of Washington, a gym membership, quarterly doctor’s office visit, public transportation pass, and more are covered by my tuition and fees. Avoid paying extra costs off-campus when you already have convenient access on-campus.

5. Apply for scholarships

Applying to scholarships can seem like a time-consuming process, but the rewards are worth the effort. Even if you are an international student, there are U.S.-based scholarships available to you. Scholarship application eligibility requirements can be very niche (based on your major, cultural heritage, hobbies, and more), increasing your likelihood of being selected. Check with your university’s Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards to see your options.

Best of luck with the new school year!

Hannah Doyle is an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Back in the United States, Hannah is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle.

With over 4,000 institutions, deciding which U.S. university to attend is difficult in general. If you are an international student, the decision can seem even more challenging if you are unable to visit campuses in-person. Have no fear though – here are 5 tips to help you find your dream school!

1. Think beyond California and New York

Don’t get me wrong – California and New York are great! That said, there are 48 other unique states with impressive universities. Take a leap of faith and go somewhere wildly different from Norway. Be adventurous – experience Southern culture in Louisiana or live in the deserts of Arizona.

2. Know your needs

Consider the specifics of what you want in a university. Public or private? Big city or small town? Religious affiliation? Majors? Reputation? Research opportunities? Costs? Don’t worry about finding a 100% match, but be informed.

3. Examine the extracurriculars

So much learning takes place outside the classroom. U.S. universities offer huge amounts of clubs, societies, and activities outside of class – my university has over 900 student organizations! Read through the university’s list of extracurriculars and see how they align with your interests and hobbies.

4. Keep your options open

Sort your universities into three categories based upon their acceptance rate and your qualifications: reach (more difficult to get admitted), target (on par with your qualifications), and safety (easier to get admitted). If possible, apply to several schools across the three categories to give yourself more options.

5. Check out the meme page 

Okay, I know it sounds weird, but hear me out. If you can’t visit the college in-person, checking out its meme groups (like UW Teens for Boundless Memes) on Facebook can offer a little insight into the student life vibe. They are purely student-run and definitely not endorsed by the university, so don’t make the memes your deciding factor.

But most importantly – wherever you end up – keep an open mind. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture and actively engage in the campus community. No matter which university you attend, it will be a rewarding experience!