SEATTLE -- The struggling economy has put the squeeze on college students in every which way.

Some are finding themselves in overcrowded dormitories while others are trying to live on a spending budget with no wiggle room.

At the University of Washington, tuition is up $400 this year for in-state students. Aside from the nearly $7,000 tuition, students have to juggle rent, food and textbook, which cost a small fortune for students.

Freshman Christa Davis got a wakeup call during a visit to the University of Washington's bookstore.

"Yeah, textbooks -- very expensive. Lot different from high school," she said.

Publishing companies release new editions and tailor-made texts that keep prices high.

"It's not bound, and so we have to bind it pretty much, and it's still $167," said junior Kara Mittelstaedt, while picking up a statistics textbook.

The University Bookstore is helping students cut some of the costs by offering digital textbooks at reduced rates.

"It is hurting on the publishing side, but at the same time what we're all about is trying to help the students," said Louise Little with the bookstore.

The students can't do without textbooks, so they cut corners elsewhere.

"Obviously gas, because I drive to work, and food around here is expensive, and the grocery stores are expensive, so it's hard," said Mittelstaedt.

Davis lives at home to save money. Many of her classmates find dorm life not only expensive, but also crowded.

"I'm in a double. It's a triple, but it's supposed to be a double," said freshman Jonah Bomgaars.

UW has turned 452 double-occupancy rooms into triple units, leaving students to deal with the cramped quarters. The students say it's tough get a good deal anywhere.

"I get charged by the strip for bacon," Bomgaars said.

So the students do what they can.

"I kind of prepared. I saved up a little money over the summer, got more hours at my job," Davis said.