Hello readers,
I think the word “college” brings many anxieties and worries to the mind of a young student. Not only do we need to worry about performing well, but most of us—at least the students coming from humble backgrounds—worry about different factors, one of them very present; very sordid: money.
To be honest, I did not have a budget when I first moved to Brandeis. However, I know that many people that did have one prior to coming to campus. I think the reason why I never planned one was because I did not know how much everything cost. I never got to sit and estimate anything,
In my case, I think it works a little different. First, I do not have the spirit to save money the way others do. Nevertheless, I try to spend money wisely only on the things I need. To set an example, in books, last semester I spent around $150 dollars. Always use websites like textsurf.com, because they can find you the best offer from different sites—this semester I spent about $40 dollars in books. Most of my readings, my professors are supplying them or they were exaggeratedly cheap, such as the three books costing me about ¢0.01 each. I mean the shipping cost me way more ($3.99). Also for transportation is varies, sometimes a round-trip ticket ranges from $50 to $80 dollars. The laundry is about $5 dollars. And usually a day out will cost me $20 bucks. I believe that the cost of the books is contingent to whatever the subject the student is studying, but I have the feeling that science textbooks are highly more expensive than a student doing Hispanic Studies, English, and Journalism.
Yes, if you grab a calculator is about $500-600 dollars that you will spend each semester, but there is a great solution, if you get work study, take it. I work in Human Resources as an office worker, performing a bunch of clerical tasks, such as making copies, filing, answering phone calls, running errands, etc. It is a free-stress job and you get to take care of textbooks, perhaps a nice meal outside of campus for once—you get tired of the same college food sometimes—transportation, and laundry, which I think covers the most important aspects that nearly every college student worries about. In the end, you may even have extra money to get yourself some clothes.
Try to enjoy college as much as possible, yes these apprehensions occur to every college student. But remember you are there to study; to get an education—that is your first priority. Money comes and go. Fill out the FAFSA and the CSS profile (if attending a private institution), and let the aid come to you! I, personally, always need help for the CSS profile, but the FAFSA, I believe, in my experience, only took me about a ten minutes. Remind your parents abound doing their taxes, it is highly important.
Best,
Santiago