Budgeting for Miscellaneous Expenses
Just in case you were zoning out each and every time your parents were giving you the “Cost of College” talk, I’m here to tell you it’s expensive!!! In addition to the cost of tuition, there are numerous other hidden expenses. I did a little brainstorming on the topic. Here are some things you should consider budgeting for before you pack up and head off to school.
First, and probably the most expensive, is text books. You can expect to spend an average of anywhere from $500 to $800 per semester depending on your major and the courses you take. If you can find out the title, author, and ISBN number of your textbooks, web sites such as Amazon.com allow you to purchase used books at a fraction of the price you will see in the campus book store. Last semester, I saved over $300 by purchasing my books online. Here are a few other costs to consider:
- Depending on your meal plan, you also might want to plan on bringing some extra cash for food. Some meal plans offer only 3 meals a day during dining hours, while others are considered a la carte and are offered all day long.
- Dorm necessities such as cable or internet hookups may not be available in your room, so you may need to purchase the appropriate hardware or software to get your technology up and running. Your school’s help desk can assist you.
- Unless you want to wear smelly clothes (and who likes that?), plan on bringing quarters for the laundry machines.
- If you’re thinking of bringing a vehicle on campus, you may need to purchase a parking pass to avoid parking tickets.
What are some of the creative ways that you guys save on college expenses? I mentioned that I’ve been buying my books on Amazon.com but I know there are other sites out there. Anyone have any experience with any of them? I’m always looking for a good deal on books!
Searching for savings,
Tom
There is a website out there that I use: www.bigwords.com You can enter the book you are looking for and it will search many textbook websites and find the cheapest price for you. I love it!
Reply to this
I use bigwords too. The best part about that site is after you are finished with your books, you can list them online and sell them to other students. That way you aren't stuck with a history textbook that you will never use.
Reply to this
Often times professors use the same textbook the following year. I always approach my prof at the end of each semester and ask them if they plan on using the book again the next year. If they are, I sell it to a friend signed up for the class for more than I would get selling it back to the bookstore, and less than they would have to pay to buy it in the bookstore. It's a win-win for us!
Reply to this
Rose that is a great point. Your classmates can be your best resource. Some professors also use custom textbooks that are only available through your school. As an underclassmen, check with upper classmen who may have already had the professor. Check around campus as well, bulletin boards are usually a good place to post hard to find textbooks.
Reply to this