Magazines

In college, magazines will sometimes serve as your lifeline. They are good reading, but useless enough that you can take a well deserved break from classwork. Of course, some can get expensive, and it's always better to save money when possible, even if it is only a few bucks a year. So keep a few things in mind:

• Find out if the magazine you want is available in your school or local library. If it isn't, see if they would be willing to subscribe to it.
• See if your friends have the magazines you want. Maybe you can trade with them or get their copies when they are done. If you really want your own subscription, see if they will give you the cards that entitle them to special discounts. They won't have any problem with this since they get so many that just end up being thrown away.
• Search the Internet for deals. Amazon has some good ones, and there are more sites. I would recommend, however, limiting yourself to sites that your friends have used.
• Check out garage sales and used book sales. You won't get the most up-to-date magazines, but with a lot of magazines, that's not really much of a problem.
• Check out the magazines' websites. Often, they will post articles from the magazine. It's also a good supplement if you do subscribe.
• Remember, the Postal Service cannot forward magazines. So, if you graduate or transfer, make sure to tell the magazine, otherwise you won't continue getting issues.

What are some of your favorite magazines and why? What publications do you think are invaluable to students?