In the perfect world, college tuition would cover everything you need to be a successful college student. Wait, in a perfect world, attending college would be free for everyone! If that were the case, you’d have a lot more money to spare on all the other college expenses besides your tuition.
Unfortunately, we live in neither of these worlds and tuition is just the beginning of a long list of expenses that you need to start planning for. It may seem a bit overwhelming, as college is, but the experience and feeling of accomplishment, in the end, are both well worth the effort.
College tuition might be your most expensive cost to plan for, but even this can be brought down with grants and scholarships. Aside from tuition, here’s what you need to start planning a budget for. Continue reading below to learn more!
1. Electronics
If you don’t already own a laptop, you’re going to appreciate having one for school. Sure, your college campus has a library that offers free internet and computer use. Here’s the problem.
The library is packed almost 100% of the time it’s open. Finding an open computer to use is nearly impossible as is finding a table to sit at and study. Even if you do find an open computer, what happens when you need to work on some things at home?
A lot of work can be done on campus, but there’s no doubt that you’ll need a computer at home for completing schoolwork there as well. Plus, it’s always nice to have the freedom to work from wherever you want such as that comfortable hammock on school campus next to the pond.
Aside from a laptop, there might be some other electronic devices that you need as well, depending on what your major or minor is. Be sure to plan for any required electronics (new cellphone, camera equipment, etc.).
2. Textbooks and Supplies
The next college expense that you need to plan for is your textbooks and supplies expense. Textbooks, when bought from campus, can be more expensive than imaginable. The costs of your textbooks depend on the class that it’s for such as a lab or regular class and the subject.
One way to plan your budget for this expense is to rent your textbooks rather than purchasing them brand new. There will be times, however, when you have no other option but to buy new, such as when the text comes with a code inside or other reasons. If you have to buy new, do your best to keep it in great shape and consider selling it when the semester is over.
Supplies are another important expense that you can’t skip over. You’ll need new college-ruled notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, headphones, and so much more. Head over to your college’s campus supplies store and check out what they have.
College supplies stores often have all of the little gadgets a college student could need. Write down a list and then pick up your supplies from a local store, where you’ll most likely find the supplies much cheaper.
3. Clothing
Don’t forget that you’re going to need plenty of clothes while away at college. If you’re attending college out of state, be prepared for weather that you may not be used to. If your college is in a location where it gets cold, be sure to have a good winter jacket to keep you warm while walking from class to class.
The same is true about warm weather. You should also have a few sweaters to pack in your bag with you for when you enter the classrooms, which can get quite cold at times.
4. Parking Pass and Transportation
If you plan to drive your own car to and from campus or keep your car with you while living on campus, then you need to plan for a parking pass. Most college campuses don’t allow you to park for free, even if you are a student or employee.
Most require you to purchase a parking pass, which can also get quite expensive. If you don’t want to pay the money upfront for a pass, then you can use the daily parking meters to pay for parking daily. Over time, this option adds up, so buying the pass outright is your best bet if you have several classes a day.
Failure to pay for parking will land you a hefty ticket! Even those without cars will need to plan for transportation costs. Getting around the neighborhood might mean taking an uber or riding a bus.
All of this plus the cost of gas should be budgeted for.
5. Food Costs
Between endless nights of studying and busy days of classes packed back to back, you need to find time to eat. Food can get expensive as well. Most colleges do offer a food plan for students and might be worth it if you’re living on campus.
If not, try to plan to bring your own lunch and several snacks each day. You should also bring a refillable water jug. Many college campuses have water fountains with a filtered water option for refilling bottles.
There will be a campus food court and other restaurants throughout the campus, but not everything is included in your meal plan. Always save a place for food in your budget.
Which College Expenses Can You Save on?
Between electronics, food, and costs to play sports and other activities, the list of college expenses is nearly endless. There are a few ways to save on all of these items if prepared for and budgeted wisely.
One of your first steps should be to save on textbooks as soon as possible!
Click here to see how you can buy textbooks for cheap today!