What are some good tips while being a student in college?

In real life no students will approach us for advice. Their famous phrase is 'do not lecture' I am glad that I have an opportunity to contribute whatever little I can to a student who wants advice!! The peers are the worst influence. It is better if one thinks for oneself and does what is required to score. Never bunk college. I have not quite understood your concern regarding the 'money element' and so I shall refrain from making any comments. If one organises ones time, time will take care of the work that needs to be done.

Study and enjoy being a student at the same time. When I was still a student, I taught that its the biggest and hardest part of my life being a student. But when I finished it and plunged to the real world, I found out that being a student is much easier than having a job. Enjoy it too as you can have all the fun and new stuffs while your still a student. Because if you already tied to your job, then those long weekends and holidays and semester's break would no longer apply.