Unfortunately, as we all learned in 11th grade economics, nothing is ever free. No matter how little you pay for something, it's always paid for by someone. However, in college, we are lucky enough to use the word "free" to describe anything that's included in our tuition. There are a lot of resources provided to you by your university that are a part of your tuition. But are you utilizing them? Where is that $40k a year going and how can you make better use of it?

1. Student Rec Centers

After we graduate from college, we'll have to start paying a monthly gym fee just to work out regularly, but in college we have rec centers on campus that are more than likely, just down the street from where we live. These rec centers are complete with cardio machines, weight rooms, basketball, racquetball and tennis courts, a running track, indoor and outdoor pools, a rock climbing wall, a sauna, a Smoothie King and an office for kayak, canoe, etc rentals. If you aren't using your rec center at least a few times a week you're wasting your tuition money.

2. Clubs and Organizations

OK, so sometimes to be involved in a club you'll still be asked to pay dues, but a lot of the time you can show up to any club meeting and get involved. Find a religious, political, charity, etc organization that sparks your interest and check it out. Or just find a fun group like the Disney club or a capella choir and see how you can get involved. You're in college to get an education, network and build up your resume and if you aren't involved on campus you aren't making full use of your opportunities.

3. Tutoring/Academic Mentorships

It seems crazy to me that there are students out there walking blindly through their four years of university without ever consulting anyone on their best course of action. Tutors are generally students who have taken your class before and passed with an A and they're free for you to use to ensure you do your best on every test and paper. Academic advisors are there to make sure you're taking all the classes you need to graduate, and to make sure you aren't taking unnecessary classes. You should be meeting with your advisor at least once a semester to make sure you're on track to graduate and have them help you plan out your schedule for the upcoming semester.

4. Meal Plan

No two schools are created equal when it comes to meal plans but here, the freshmen are required to have unlimited meal swipes, and we are all allotted $300+ a semester for other restaurants on campus. If you're sitting in your dorm eating ramen instead of hanging out at dining halls or Starbucks with your friends you're missing out (and you're probably also starving).

5. Practice Rooms

As someone who loves to sing and learn new instruments this was one of the first things I sought out as a freshman. Instead of annoying your roommates by constantly playing your guitar, you can go to your music hall on campus and utilize the practice rooms there. Plus the acoustics are probably better in there then they are in your dorm.

6. Transportation

Don't use all your gas money getting to and from classes and restaurants. Our campus comes equipped with busses and taxis that are running all the time and will take you all over!

7. Sports

If you were involved with sports in high school but didn't want to play competitively in college you can join an intramural team, either through your Greek organization or as an individual and combat the freshmen 15 in a fun and healthy way.

8. Career Center

The Career Center is an incredible resource where you can practice interviews, find internships/fellowships/jobs and rent business professional outfits. If you don't use your career center you're missing out on opportunities that will eventually help you get jobs

9. Free coffee and other free resources

Every school has that one room that not enough people know about. The room where you can go 24/7 to find free coffee, free printing, free blue books (I know they're only $.70 but still), etc. You may have to ask around to locate these resources, but once you find them you'll be saving money so you can spend it on clothes and movies and nights out.

No two schools are alike, so what may be included on my campus may not be true everywhere. Log onto your school's website and see what is available to you that you're missing out on!