On my financial aid package, there's an estimated figure for books, supplies and travel. How can I figure out how much these things will really cost?
That estimated figure is a good place to begin. It's based on the average experience of students at your college. And I do stress "average," because spending habits obviously vary from student to student. For example, one student saved $1,500 for her personal expenses (not counting textbooks) and spent it all in the first semester! Other students find that college is a good time to turn over a new leaf and become more frugal and careful with their money. They take advantage of free on-campus activities and find inexpensive ways to have fun with their friends. Talk to a few college students about how they manage to live on a budget; look especially at those wise spending and saving habits you feel you can imitate. And be encouraged. Many students stay within their projected budgets for personal expenses and have a lot of fun at college. You can be one of them!
Written by Judy Moseman
