A Guide to 6 Common College Expenses

College is the time when many people branch out into the world on their own, experiencing complete independence and responsibility for the first time. Smartly managing your finances can be one of the most difficult responsibilities to master, and the sheer cost of college expenses can make it even more troublesome.

With some planning and strategy, some of these costs can be minimized, allowing you to control your expenses and budget.

Here are six of the most common expenses you'll need to manage as a college student:

1. Tuition & Fees
   • Tuition is a major expense. In-state public colleges are cheaper than out-of-state ones. Scholarships and student loans can help.
     • Fees include application, new student, housing, and orientation fees. These vary by institution.
2. Room & Board
   • Housing is another significant expense. Colleges commonly require freshmen to live on campus for at least one year, if not more, unless they have a valid exemption.
     • Off-campus housing includes rent, furnishings, and deposits.
   • Meals
     • Meal plans for on-campus dining or stocking your fridge if off-campus.
   • Bedding
     • Includes pillows, sheets, blankets, and a mattress cover. Bringing items you already own can reduce costs.
   • Clothing
     • Clothing should include outfits for every season and occasion. You'll may need formal outfits for obligations like professional internships, work-study shifts, and club or Greek life events.
   • Toiletries
     • Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other items you may need - will be a recurring expense. You may also want an organizer for them if you're sharing bathroom space.
3. Books & Supplies
   • Backpacks
     • If you treat it well, it can last at least four years!
   • Calculator
     • A calculator with advanced functions is recommended if you'll take any math, science, or engineering classes, even if they're just to meet your general education requirements.
   • Textbooks will need to be purchased for every class each semester, with the yearly average running around $1,300.
     • Buying from secondhand or online shops - or renting your textbooks - can help save on costs.
   • Notebooks, folders, and writing utensils
     • These will likely be purchased each semester, but their costs are low.
4. Electronic Equipment and Software
   • Personal Computer
     • You will need a personal computer to complete papers, research, and online exams. While your campus will have some computers for student use, such as in the library, they won't always be available when you need them.
   • Printers
     • Your college may offer printing services, but it often costs several cents per page. Over the course of your college career, owning a printer is more cost-efficient.
   • Subscriptions, software, or online service fees
     • This includes your cell phone bill. The latest Microsoft Office products run around $100 per year, though there may be a discount for students.
     • Specific programs or online educational resources may be required for some classes or majors, such as design or editing software for those in the arts.
5. Transportation
   • Bus, taxi, or ride-sharing fares will be your main transportation expenses if your college doesn't allow first-year students to have their own vehicles - or isn't vehicle-friendly at all. Utilizing on-campus resources and shops and getting rides from friends can cut down on transportation costs.
   • Parking, insurance, gas, and maintenance will be your main expenses if you do have a vehicle.
6. School Activity Fees & Entertainment Costs
   • School activity fees like sorority or fraternity dues, club membership dues, or extra-credit events (like attending an art exhibit) - should be accounted for, too.
     • Allow at least $100 per semester for extra-credit events, and calculate organizational dues based on your desired memberships.
   • Personal activities and entertainment like movies, concerts, bowling, and nights out with friends - should be planned for, too, because you deserve to have fun during your college years!

So many expenses associated with college are variable based on your situation, the institution, and the region. When you start receiving acceptance letters, ask for a fee schedule from each college before enrolling, so you can account for them. Consider establishing an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs during college, like medical bills.

To create an effective budget for college, you'll need to consider every possible expense. Even if it seems intimidating, remember that there are ways to afford your collegiate dreams - from working part-time to seeking financial aid to shopping sales - and your financial institution can help you create a viable financial plan.

Looking to open a bank account before heading off to school? Click here to find your nearest First Bank branch!