There is no denying that going to college is expensive. When you see the costs of your tuition fees, accommodation, travel, food, etc. add up, the tally can be stressful and frightening. However, if you plan ahead and budget smartly, you don’t really have to worry so much. Let’s take a look at the five main categories of college expenses you will incur and how to plan for each of them effectively.
She is stressed thinking about saving money while going to college. Here are tips to help her and other females. Photo via Pixabay.
1. Tuition And Fees
Your tuition and fees will cover all your classes, student health center, athletics, etc. and will vary based on the school you choose and the classes you want to attend. Average fees for an in-state student in a U.S. public school will come to about $8,244, while for an out-state student it can be as high as $20,770 per year. This is the largest component of your annual cost. However, do not start worrying the moment you see the fees for your classes. Remember, very few students actually pay full price to attend college. The best way to save on your tuition and fees is to look for scholarships that are granted by schools themselves as well as other organizations. You can also apply for a loan from reputed lenders. For more information on student loans, lenders, eligibility criteria, and other related details, you can check https://www.credible.com/. Another option is to spend a couple of years at an in-state school and transfer to the school of your choice later. This allows you to get your degree from your dream school at a much lower cost.
2. Accommodation
The cost of accommodation is usually considered along with the cost of food. This cost depends largely on where you choose to stay and the school you attend. Living in a dorm is ideal for first-year students. This gives you the opportunity to meet and socialize with your peers outside the classroom. Choosing to stay in a dorm is usually an all-inclusive deal that comes with meal plans. Most dorms are usually located on college campuses and this can reduce your transportation costs as well. The cost of living in a fraternity varies from school to school. Many fraternities bundle living expenses to include meals. Some even have house mothers or cooks. Living at your parents’ house may seem like the cheapest option if you choose a school nearby. However, this may limit your social interactions. If you need to commute by car, the cost of fuel may eventually be equivalent to the cost of staying on campus. Living in an apartment is usually the most expensive option. While it does give you more freedom, it also adds to your responsibilities and costs. For example, along with the rent, you will have to pay for utilities, groceries, and even furniture if your apartment is unfurnished.
3. Books And Stationary
The cost of your books depends on the course you decide to take up. Students with a science major typically have more expensive textbooks as compared to others. However, there are ways to cut down on these costs. Instead of buying brand new books, look for second-hand books in good condition. You can even rent books online. At the end of your year, you can resell the books to make up for some of your initial investment. When it comes to computers and software, look for student discounts.
4. Transportation
The cost of transportation depends largely on the distance between where you stay and where your college is located. Another factor to keep in mind is the distance between your family and the school. If you have to fly home once or twice each year, this could be a substantial cost. Students with a car also need to factor in the cost of fuel, maintenance, and parking. To save on transportation costs, consider carpooling or taking a bus. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your flight tickets home but try doing it a few months in advance.
5. Other Expenses
There are a few other expenses that do not fall into these categories. For example, movies, shows, laundry, and cell phone services are some among them. These costs usually average out to about $2000 per annum. To reduce these costs, consider a family plan for your cell phone and take advantage of free entertainment provided by the school instead of going out on the weekends. Find friends who share your budget constraints and go for a picnic instead of hitting the bar.
The bottom line is that there are a million ways to save money and simultaneously have a great college experience. All you need to do is plan your budget in advance. So start planning now.
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