Most college students have some kind of debt to cover after graduation. Some have more than others, but the vast majority will have bills to cover immediately when they get out of school. This can be an incredibly stressful experience for someone, especially if he or she is having trouble finding a job. Luckily, there are some ways students can avoid this pressure-filled debt and start their lives fresh. Here are a few tips to help you make sound financial decisions in school.

Get Scholarships and Grants

The easiest way to avoid going into debt will be to get financial aid to cover your costs. Scholarships and grants don’t have to be paid back at any time, and they can provide all the money you need to cover tuition, fees, supplies, and more. You can find scholarships online or through local organizations, depending on where you live. If you get more money than what you actually need, consider it an opportunity to save. You could literally get paid to go to college if you apply for the right amount of aid. It’s just a matter of being willing to do that.

Live at Home

Most students want to move out the moment they turn 18, but that move can come with a ton of financial responsibility. If you have the ability to live at home for just a few more years, you may want to do that to save money. Sure, you’ll have to follow some rules that you may not like, but you’ll be able to save in the process. The financial freedom you’ll get later on will be well worth the struggle.

If you cannot live with family because you are attending school in another area, try to live with roommates off campus. Most on-campus housing costs significantly more than something you may find a few minutes away. As long as you have adequate transportation to get to school, you can live affordably and still get through your degree.

Pay in Cash

When you pay for the things you need in cash, you are less likely to overdraft an account or spend more than you should. You only have a finite amount of money to work with, so you’re forced to control yourself. Those little plastic wonders are great for convenience, but they can also lead you into a lot of debt very quickly. It’s in your best interest to avoid them at all costs.

Learn to Live on a Budget

At the end of the day, you just have to consciously look at your finances and determine what you can and cannot buy. You may not have a big budget to work with, but it’s important to only live within your means. Do not be fooled by tempting credit card offers and loans that you may qualify for. They are not worth the headaches that comes later on. Establish a clean financial slate for yourself, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.