Connect with the Libraries
Have an idea for Subject of the Month?
September 2021
Selectors:
Rhonda McGinnis & Rachael Clark, WSU Libraries
Christine Powell & Ryan Thomas, WSU Financial Aid
- Live on Campus? Share an apartment? Live at home?
- Student Loan or part-time job?
- Buy or rent new textbooks? Buy used ones?
- Meal Plan, cook for yourself, eat out?
College involves so many money-related questions? Answering them correctly can set you on the path to financial freedom. Answer them wrong and you can face financial hardships for years after graduation. The resources provided on this page can help you understand the financial challenges you face and provide suggestions and tools to help you Start Money Smart!
Student Loan Dos and Don'ts
(Click to view infographic)
8 Spooky Student Loan Statistics
More student loan advice:
- 11 Pieces of Student Loan Advice From the ExpertsA nice, concise list of things you should think about while still in school.
- 4 Tips When Taking Out a Student LoanThings to think about when considering a student loan
- Student Loans: Choosing a loan that's right for youClear descriptions of Federal and Private student loans.
Credit Awareness
- How to Build Credit as a College Student or Young AdultSolid list of dos and don'ts for building your credit score while still in college and why it's important.
- 10 ways students can build good creditSound practical advice for using credit cards to build a good credit history
- Credit Card Tips for College StudentsBrief practical advice for choosing and using your first credit card wisely.
- Credit Card Advice Every College Student NeedsStraightforward advice to use credit cards responsibly and stay out of trouble.
- College Students Face a Greater Risk of Identity TheftNice article from Consumer Reports on why college students, in particular, need to be concerned about protecting their identity.
- 9 Reasons Why College Students Are at High Risk of Identity TheftAnother great article on the dangers of identity theft among college students.
Saving Money on Textbooks
College students spend an average of $655 per year on textbooks. Use some of the tips and services provided below to save money every semester!
First and foremost--start early!!! There are 2 reasons for this.
- The best deals are often from online stores so you need to factor in the shipping delay
- The best quality used books at the best prices get snatched up quickly so the longer you wait, the poorer your selection and savings will be
As soon as you've registered for your classes, find out which books are listed as required and start hunting for savings!
Here are some websites with other tips to help you save money on your textbooks!
- Creative Ways to Save Money on TextbooksParticularly good for those in literature, philosophy, and history classes that use a lot of classic and older books.
One of the best suggestions is to comparison shop for your textbooks! Here are several websites that will let to compare prices for your book at a bunch of different online bookstores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ABE Books.
- CampusBooksWill let you compare prices for both buying and renting your textbook. It will also help you locate where you can get the highest price when you are ready to sell your textbook at the end of the semester.
- BookFinder.comAnother good source to compare prices for buying, renting, and selling across numerous online stores
NOTE: Be sure you know the
- Correct Title
- Author(s)
- Edition (1st, 2nd, etc.) and the Publication Year
to make sure you get the right book assigned in your class.
Additional Note: The ISBN is good BUT be aware that there are different ISBNs for the Hardback, Paperback, and Electronic versions. Paperback and Electronic will usually be the cheaper options.
Financial Wellness with iGrad and Warrior Smart
- iGradWayne State University has partnered with iGrad to provide students with access to their award-winning iGrad Financial Literacy platform. IGrad's suite of personalized student financial wellness programs like iGrad can lower student loan defaults, decrease financial stress, improve academic performance and teach students how to manage their finances for a lifetime. The University is proud to provide students with the tools and support they need to build a strong financial future.
- Warrior SmartA good financial plan can put you on the path to financial success while you are in school and after you graduate. These tools from Wayne State's Office of Student Financial Aid will help you plan for your financial future.
Additional Resources at Wayne State
- Show Your OneCard and Save!!!List of locations in the Detroit area where showing your OneCard will get you a great discount!
- Resources for low-income studentsWayne State offers a variety of academic, financial, and nutritional programs to help students stay healthy, happy, and on track to graduate. This page will help you locate and use the resources you need to succeed on campus.
Building Financial Security
CNBC's Q & A Town Hall, April 15, 2021: Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU and a “Shark Tank” investor; Dr. Anthony Chan, Treasurer of the Skyhook Foundation founded by Kareem Abdul Jabbar; Lauryn Williams, CFP, founder of Worth Winning and three-time Olympic medalist, and Martin Cabrera, CEO and founder of Cabrera Capital Markets, provided the students with advice on credit, budgeting and saving, health care expenses and long-term financial success.
Career Outlook
- Occupational Outlook HandbookOne of the best resources for learning about careers and their earning potential.
- O*Net OnlineExcellent tool for exploring careers. With this tool you can see the skills and training required and the average wage or salary for the field.
Follow the WSU Libraries
To keep up with library events and happenings, follow us on:
- WSU Libraries on Facebook
This link opens in a new window
- WSU Libraries on Twitter
This link opens in a new window
- WSU Libraries on Instagram
This link opens in a new window
- WSU Libraries YouTube Channel
This link opens in a new window
