| "body"> | | | | connection. It will cost you each less. The best |
| There are a lot of reasons that you might want | | | | way to do this is to buy a router. This will cost |
| to save money on your internet costs. If | | | | more initially, but in the end it will save you |
| you’re a student, chances are that you | | | | money. If you are going to buy a router, it is |
| don’t have a lot of money. You might | | | | often easiest not to split the cost. One person will |
| want to spend that money on other things, like a | | | | be leaving with the router at the end of your |
| vacation. If you are reading this article now, you | | | | time being roommates: let them buy the router. |
| have at least some access to the internet. But | | | | Or set up an agreement where the person who |
| are you spending too much money, or wastefully | | | | leaves with the router has to pay back the other |
| losing money? | | | | person (or people) who are in on the initial |
| 1. Assess your needs | | | | purchase. |
| Do you need to have an internet connection at | | | | The more people you share with, the cheaper it |
| your house at all times? If so, how often do you | | | | will be. Wireless routers can make sharing with |
| access it? Will you be downloading massive files, | | | | more people easier. |
| or will you simply be using the internet for | | | | 4. Use the internet to save you money |
| research and email and other daily uses? | | | | If you are going to buy anything, use the internet |
| If you don’t think that you need access to | | | | to save you money by comparison shopping at |
| the internet at all points in time, then you can find | | | | various websites. It is often cheaper to buy |
| out ways to get free internet. If you are a | | | | something (like, a wireless router, perhaps?) on |
| moderate user, make sure that you are not | | | | EBay than it is to buy one in the store. Just |
| signed up for the platinum-premium-plus package | | | | don’t forget to account for shipping. |
| from your internet service provider (ISP). You | | | | You should also shop around the internet to find |
| could be paying extra for bandwidth that you are | | | | the cheapest service provider for your area. |
| not even using. | | | | There are many sites, including The Guide to |
| 2. Where to get Free Internet | | | | Student Loans at that can help you find how to |
| As a student, you can get free internet at your | | | | save money. |
| school. This means that you will have access in | | | | 5. Take advantage of the short-term offers |
| the library, in a computer lab, and often in your | | | | If you move into a new place each year, you can |
| department as well. Some places are high-volume | | | | sign up for the 6-month deals with most major |
| spots where everyone tries to use the | | | | internet service providers. This will halve your |
| computers. If you check out campus, you can | | | | internet expenses. Even if you don’t move, |
| probably find some other computers that are less | | | | consider disconnecting your service and starting at |
| likely to be busy. You can also start to gauge | | | | another service, or having your roommate join up |
| when the computers are the busiest. Schedule | | | | to another. Though it is a hassle, this could save |
| your work accordingly so that you don’t | | | | you $100 if you save only $20 a month for 5 |
| have to wait in line for a computer: if you do your | | | | months. Remember, if you are going to cancel |
| email first and then head to class you might have | | | | your service and start with a new provider, |
| a better chance of getting a free computer than | | | | arrange everything one month in advance. |
| if you go to class and then try to find a | | | | Sometimes there are cancellation fees that you |
| computer…or vice versa, depending on your | | | | could save. Other times you won’t be able |
| schedule. | | | | to book your connection soon enough. |
| You can also get free internet at the Public | | | | 6. Use the Internet for Entertainment |
| Library in most locations. | | | | If you have the internet in your house or |
| Although you can get free internet by visiting a | | | | apartment, you can use it for an easy night of |
| friend’s house, this is not recommended. | | | | fun. Skip buying cable tv…with nbc and abc |
| You don’t want your friend to think that | | | | offering episodes of tv on their websites, you can |
| you are using them, and you don’t want to | | | | watch entire episodes from your computer! |
| have to wait until they’re off the computer | | | | Comedycentral also allows you to watch clips. And |
| to use it. | | | | don’t forget that youtube often has |
| If you have a laptop, you can get free wireless | | | | full-length stand-up comedy routines, among other |
| internet in many places on campus and around | | | | things. You might even be able to download some |
| the city. Most major campus buildings, such as the | | | | episodes from your favourite series. |
| student center, will have wireless. For a complete | | | | In the end, having internet access for a student is |
| listing of wireless locations on your campus, check | | | | important in many ways: important for your social |
| out your campus Internet/Technology | | | | life, important for your research, and important |
| department. Remember, you can get wireless | | | | for your peace of mind. At least with some of |
| internet at many coffee-shops and cafes too! | | | | these suggestions you won’t have to get |
| 3. Consider Sharing | | | | the internet at the expense of breaking the |
| If you have a roommate, consider sharing your | | | | budget! |