A good education does not come cheap, and paying tuition is only one of the expenses seniors will be facing in the coming fall. So how can these soon-to-be college freshmen keep from starving in the next four years? Budgeting. It may sound time-consuming and inconvenient, but budgeting your money well can be the deciding factor in how many meals you will be consuming on a weekly basis. Students will have many options when it comes to saving money through scholarships, financial aid, student loans or part-time jobs. However, this is not always enough to get by. There are meal plans available on campus for cheap prices. Sharing expenses with your roommate can help lessen monetary concerns, too. Fast food seems like the easy out, but buying in bulk at Costco and using coupons at the grocery store should not be overlooked. Buy used books that you can sell back to stores rather than getting the newest copy you can find. Use the subway and public buses when going to class or out on the weekends. Prioritizing is a must. School is by far the number one priority for students, before food expenses and spending on entertainment. That is not to say college kids cannot have any fun. There are many inexpensive ways to enjoy yourself that do not have to break the bank. Many schools host movies, social gatherings and game nights on the weekends. With proper planning and organization of finances, students can have the full college experience without worrying about how to pay for their next meal.
Leaving home is a big deal. You are on your own for the first time and it can be easy to get lost in the hullabaloo of college life. Friends are throwing parties and kids are out at all hours of the night, but it is very important to avoid sending your grades into a downward spiral. Without the parental restrictions kids have always grown up with, students must bring out their responsible side and know when it is time to have fun and when it is time to buckle down and work. Start a study group that meets consistently on certain days of the week to get a schedule going. Give yourself a bedtime. As juvenile as that may sound, a lot of students have trouble getting enough sleep amidst their class workload and extracurricular activities. Set more than one alarm any time there is somewhere you need to be and have a buddy that keeps the same schedule as you when it comes to sleeping and studying. Keeping a calendar can do wonders for busy bees. At the same time, do not burn yourself out by working all of the time; allow some time for rest and relaxation from time to time. Find a quiet place to gather your thoughts and unwind. It is important to give yourself some credit. College is not easy and things will not always go the way you hope, but do not let it get you down. Practice makes perfect, even when it comes to managing your time well.
