| College students are getting ready for the upcoming | | | | decent model. And then there is the software, printing, |
| 2007 Fall semester. It is just a few weeks away | | | | scanning, etc. Understand what you will need for each |
| before millions of student across the country make | | | | classroom. |
| their trek to their university of choice. | | | | 4. Room and Board: |
| Several tasks are required to prepare for that journey. | | | | The estimated cost for housing and food if you live in |
| Your first important task is calculating the exact costs | | | | a residence hall; if you live off campus, the cost for |
| for attending school. Colleges are required to provide | | | | monthly rent, utilities, and food. You need to estimate |
| estimated costs upon acceptance at the University. | | | | costs for eating in the cafeteria and other related |
| Those costs are estimated costs incur by students | | | | snacks and beverages. |
| from previous years, adjusted for inflation. However, | | | | 5. Transportation: |
| you should budget the amount of financial aid you will | | | | The estimated cost for 2-3 round trips from your |
| need for the academic year. You need to have a | | | | home to school (you don't want to spend the winter |
| spending plan by month to avoid running out of money | | | | holidays at school). Additionally, what is going to be |
| before the school year ends. | | | | your transportation options at school? If you have your |
| The costs that you should estimate include the | | | | personal auto or other motor vehicle, estimate costs |
| following: | | | | for fuel, insurance, parking fees, maintenance, and other |
| | | | related fees. If you are on foot or bicycle, estimate the |
| 1. School Tuition and Fees: Costs to attend class | | | | costs for public transportation. |
| instruction and the use of facilities, labs, libraries and all | | | | 6. Personal Living Expenses: |
| other related services for each enrolled student. And | | | | The estimated cost for clothing, grooming supplies, |
| don't forget to add access fees to campus facilities. | | | | laundry and entertainment. Toothpaste, make-up, |
| Check your class registration for what you will need. | | | | shampoo, deodorant, etc., can all add up. |
| 2. Books and Supplies: | | | | 7. Other Personal Costs: |
| The estimated cost for books and supplies the student | | | | Personal expenses that are specific to the student |
| will be required for classroom instruction. Many | | | | such as insurance, disability expenses, dependent care, |
| students fail to estimate the total cost for books and | | | | loan fees, etc. |
| supplies; some classroom instructions may require | | | | 8. Miscellaneous: Any other expenses that you can |
| several books and copied outlines. Make sure you | | | | identify with your school's Financial Aid Office |
| estimate everything that you will need for each | | | | You can estimate and budget these expenses by |
| classroom. | | | | month using our FREE college budgeting worksheet. |
| 3. Computer and Other Electronics: Not necessarily | | | | Link to our budgeting module for our guide and |
| required for some colleges since they offer computer | | | | worksheet. |
| labs and other shared facilities. However, it will be the | | | | Private student loans are a great resource when you |
| student's advantage to have their own personal laptop. | | | | need extra money. |
| Personal laptops can cost you $1,000 or more for a | | | | |