College students who are not wealthy take a deep breath before you read the next paragraph.

The best way to save money while going to college is to walk or ride a bike instead of drive a vehicle, eat in instead of eat out, study instead of party, work instead of play, and buy used instead of new.

Sacrifices are necessary in this stage of development. Students learn as much about how to survive in the real world as they do their desired profession when they engage in the college experience.

Purchasing discounted recycled textbooks, CDs and, yes, clothing are a must for the resourceful student.

It is no mystery why used clothing stores are most prevalent around college campuses. Clothing, however, is not as significant as textbooks in the industry of used items for college students. Mom and dad can spend a little and buy clothes, if necessary, every now and then. Textbooks are a recurring concern each semester.

If purchased brand new, textbooks mostly range from $80 to more than $200. The U.S. Government Accountability office estimated that students spent an average of almost $900 on textbooks and supplies in the 2003-2004 school year.

That $900 a year is difficult to afford for a student with a part-time job that pays close to the minimum wage, especially with housing, groceries, meal, gas and personal expenses included.

The growing trend shows college students saving money by purchasing used textbooks online. Studies show that students can save up to 50 percent, and in some cases more, by buying used books online or at a store that sells used books.

Purchasing online is the better option because more quantities of a specific title are available. Stores can carry only so much physical inventory. Searching online for a textbook has endless possibilities.

The New York Times reported September 29 that in only a decade, online book sellers have grown to account for two-thirds of the market for general-interest used books.

If the student successfully purchases a used textbook for much less than the original retail price, that money saved should be used for essentials.

When a college student manages his or her time correctly – for example, he or she keeps a detailed planner each week – that shows promise in the way that person can structure his or her life.

To get ahead, it is impossible for that student to have nights planned at the bar down the street, or a few lunches with some friends during breaks from classes, or a drive down the coast during the weekend to get away for a day or two, or an all-night party Friday and Saturday night.

This is not to suggest that the college student stay locked in his or her room studying every hour. The student needs to show responsibility in certain situations to show he or she can handle the demands of life down the road.