Transitioning SD17 to College on a tight budget....

[PrincessBelle09]

I also had a few students that thought drunken spending at bars shouldn't count and came in the next day to try to have charges reversed.

Wow...I know college students can be pretty dumb, but...wow...

 

[livndisney]

If she is not taking a vehicle with her...call your car insurance company ...they may lower your premiums if she is a certain distance away from home and not using a car(she should still be covered when home for breaks). I know Geico does this..not sure about other companies.

I worked at a bank near Brown and RISD many years ago....too many of the students didn't realize that they could actually run out of money by spending it. A little banking and budgeting 101 before the chaos of move in weekend is better for everyone all around. Stolen debit/ATM cards were also a daily issue...usually the room mate...sometimes the boyfriend/girlfriend go over password safety, keeping track of wallet all of the time, not lending out debit cards. I'm not sure if a small document safe would be helpful since students would run the risk of forgetting their wallet in the safe on a regular basis....but could be helpful for storing passports, ipods, flash drives, password lists, account numbers in case a wallet is stolen and she needs to cancel cards. I also had a few students that thought drunken spending at bars shouldn't count and came in the next day to try to have charges reversed.

I agree about the TV not being necessary when you have a laptop....laptop is a need...the TV is a want.

The bolded line is the biggest understatement ever!!!! I have spoken with sooooooooo many students who have no clue where the money went. They fail to understand the money does not replace itself. (And when they spend more than they have-they will be charged fees) Set her up with a budget and encourage her to stick to it.

 

[livndisney]

Wow...I know college students can be pretty dumb, but...wow...

You would be surprised! Beer, cig, expensive shoes, Mcdonalds for the dorm..... they think should be "free". (Just because you don't remember charging it-doesn't mean you didn't)

My personal favorite-money spent while the bank is closed is STILL charged to your account.

 

[PrincessBelle09]

This bit of insight into the drunken college student's brain makes me incredibly sad.

I totally agree about the budgeting 101! My parents told me that I needed to keep track of my spending and expenses and gave me the software to do it, but never taught me how to actually do it. Checking in to make sure your student is keeping up with a budget after teaching is also probably a good idea.

Also, make sure you watch out for the credit card companies targeting college students. It is very easy to get a student CC and very easy to rack up the charges...

 

[laurafergie]

All very good suggestions from the PPs and I want to agree about not needing a TV - All three of mine in college do not have a TV and did not want it (even though I had bought them) because everything they wanted to watch is online. I did get a Netflix subscription that they all share.

As far as spending money - my DH became unemployed the year the DDs started college - so they KNEW spending money wasn't coming from us. They worked like fiends all that summer and had enough money to last all year - which is a good thing, because jobs around campus are very hard to come by.

This past year - the grandparents decided to give a $50 a week allowance and all kids say that it is more than plenty for spending and travel money - they say that $25 a week is fine, but the grandparents say just save it then. - whatever...

Anyway - the essentials are sheets, blanket or comforter, pillow, towels - shower caddy and toiletries, small 1st aid items, Microwave or fridge (check with room mate) Microwavable snacks to get them started, lamp, laptop, printer, printer paper, pens, a few notebooks.

Possibly one those programmable calculators - you know, those $100+ plus ones - depends on their major.

That's it - really - most everything else is extra - your college will have packing list, and I guarantee you that it is a lot - and your DD will pare down after the 1st year. They get tired of lugging stuff around.

 

[MrsPete]

To be honest, the biggest expenses about college life outside books, tuition etc are non school related. Having the "right" clothes, going out on Thursday night to dinner, movies, the clubs, parties and the associated food and drink costs.

Things may've changed since I was in college, but "the right clothes" were completely not a concern for anyone -- jeans, polo shirts, and sweatshirts were it. When various groups held semi-formals, there was no shame whatsoever in borrowing a dress from someone down the hall.

We did go out every Thursday and Friday night (I'm sure we had some reason for staying in most Saturdays, but I can't remember what it was), but it was not a big-budget thing. We always ate at the dining hall (because we had mandatory meal plans), and then went out to clubs. We'd pay admission and 1-2 drinks each. Thursdays were always cheap-drink nights. Maybe that's why we didn't go on Saturdays?

I assume she is stating in the dorms on campus? If not, locally, many off site apartment complexes offer much more bang for your buck but are still within walking distance to the campus.

Again, things may be different these days, but at one point I tried to figure out how to get an apartment for the same price as a dorm room, and -- even with roommates -- I couldn't do it. The per-month rent may look cheaper at first glance, but don't forget deposits, furniture, electricity, water, cable -- all those things are included in the dorm cost. And a biggie: Paying rent during the summer months. The right-next-to-campus apartments were, by far, the most expensive. If you go a ways out from the campus, things are cheaper -- but then you have to pay for transportation. At my school, you could not beat the dorms for cost.

You've received some very good advice here and I would like add about the cost of books. You can save a bundle by renting them from http://www.chegg.com/ DD is a 3rd year college student and I only wish we had been renting from Chegg earlier! College text books are very expensive.

I wish we'd had something like that when I was in school! A few schools in our area charge students a rental fee as part of their tuiton, and students don't pay a penny for books PLUS they don't have to search for their books.

 

[MrsPete]

If she is not taking a vehicle with her...call your car insurance company ...they may lower your premiums if she is a certain distance away from home and not using a car(she should still be covered when home for breaks). I know Geico does this..not sure about other companies.

I worked at a bank near Brown and RISD many years ago....too many of the students didn't realize that they could actually run out of money by spending it. A little banking and budgeting 101 before the chaos of move in weekend is better for everyone all around. Stolen debit/ATM cards were also a daily issue...usually the room mate...sometimes the boyfriend/girlfriend go over password safety, keeping track of wallet all of the time, not lending out debit cards. I'm not sure if a small document safe would be helpful since students would run the risk of forgetting their wallet in the safe on a regular basis....but could be helpful for storing passports, ipods, flash drives, password lists, account numbers in case a wallet is stolen and she needs to cancel cards. I also had a few students that thought drunken spending at bars shouldn't count and came in the next day to try to have charges reversed.

I agree about the TV not being necessary when you have a laptop....laptop is a need...the TV is a want.

One of the best things my mom ever did for me was to take me to the bank the summer before I was a senior in high school and help me get a checking account. I learned how to balance an account and account for money BEFORE college, and although I never had enough to be even remotely "comfortable", I was never overdrawn. Today, of course, that lesson should be expanded to include a small credit card.

I agree that a small document safe is a great idea for a dorm. In the evenings, people leave their doors open and friends come and go. It'd be awfully easy to sit next door for longer than you expected, and when you come back your wallet's gone. When I was in college, I had a trunk that locked (think summer camp -- it was a good coffee table type thing), and m purse/checkbook stayed in there for days at a time.

 

[MrsPete]

Wow...I know college students can be pretty dumb, but...wow...

I don't think it's a matter of being dumb. I think it's 1) lack of life experience, and 2) having been taught in hundreds of ways that they aren't really going to be held responsible for their own mistakes.

My personal favorite-money spent while the bank is closed is STILL charged to your account.

Okay, I take it back. THAT is DUMB.

 

[MrsPete]

Possibly one those programmable calculators - you know, those $100+ plus ones - depends on their major.

I suspect most college-bound students will have one of those from high school.

But you're right that the student may have some major-specific expenses. For example, I know that it's expensive to be an architecture major: All that balsa wood, etc. for models. Nursing majors will need college-specific scrubs when they reach student nursing. Education majors need professional clothes for their semester of student teaching. Various majors end up paying for specific tests towards certifications. All majors aren't equal, but -- on the other hand -- most of those specific needs won't show up during freshman year.

 

[punkin]

Okay, I take it back. THAT is DUMB.

 

[descovy]

I agree that SD doesn't NEED a TV... but at the same time you can get a "tube" TV for real cheap on craigslist these days. We just got a 32" TV (about 4 years old) for $50. You can get a smaller 20" one for like $25 or so. Everyone wants flat screens, so the old tube TV's are dirt, dirt cheap

 

[PrincessBelle09]

Things may've changed since I was in college, but "the right clothes" were completely not a concern for anyone -- jeans, polo shirts, and sweatshirts were it. When various groups held semi-formals, there was no shame whatsoever in borrowing a dress from someone down the hall.

In my experience, unless you're going the sorority route, no one really cares what you wear. If I buy "in" stuff, it's because it's good quality. For example, I live in my North Face coat and Ugg boots during the winter, but I bought them because they are very good quality and super comfy.

Again, things may be different these days, but at one point I tried to figure out how to get an apartment for the same price as a dorm room, and -- even with roommates -- I couldn't do it. The per-month rent may look cheaper at first glance, but don't forget deposits, furniture, electricity, water, cable -- all those things are included in the dorm cost. And a biggie: Paying rent during the summer months. The right-next-to-campus apartments were, by far, the most expensive. If you go a ways out from the campus, things are cheaper -- but then you have to pay for transportation. At my school, you could not beat the dorms for cost.I wish we'd had something like that when I was in school! A few schools in our area charge students a rental fee as part of their tuiton, and students don't pay a penny for books PLUS they don't have to search for their books.

Very often true. It does depend on the location of the school as to whether it's truly more cost convenient. I live off campus because I got married. My husband went to a different school in another town and we chose to live closer to his school because the apartments were quite a bit cheaper. Even with the cost of my commute, it was still a better deal to live in Raleigh, NC than Chapel Hill because the apartments prices are pretty outrageous and if they're not, well, there's a reason for it. While my DH was a sophomore, he lived off campus with several roommates and it was cheaper than a dorm. I never could have done that in Chapel Hill.

 

[crisi]

I agree that a TV might not be necessary. In the dorms, you should be able to move in with your laptop, clothes, toiletries and laundry detergent and "get by." Its nice to coordinate with your roommate(s) on room items that might be shared (a portable fan if the room doesn't have air conditioning for instance).

We skipped the bedding, I brought a fitted sheet, a pillow and pillow case and a sleeping bag. That worked really well because I didn't need to make my bed

There are a lot of WANTS to be addressed in college - one of my dorm roommates was a sorority pledge and her wants were a LOT higher than mine. Another was a girl off a farm in Iowa - an hour away from college - hers were MUCH less than mine. She did the meal plan, studied, and went home on weekends bringing her laundry with her. She didn't need much.

Our school didn't have a mealplan on Saturday night, so you needed to have enough money to throw in your $5 for pizza.

 

[Tistal]

I teach mostly freshmen at a university. I play the role of instructor, but I often find myself playing the role of mom away from home (especially during the fall semester).

Along with the computer you're discussing getting her (a refurbished one is a great idea if you're on a tight budget), you should consider getting her a USB memory drive. I've seen them for as little as $5. This will let her back up her work so if there is a last minute computer failure she still has access to her work. Some instructors are forgiving when the computer crashes, but others will just count the assignment as late and may not even accept it.

You should also consider the weight of the computer. Yes, a computer with a huge screen is lovely, but she'll have to carry it in her bag with the rest of her books and many lecture halls have minuscule table tops and a larger computer won't fit on them.

If the OP's daughter has a larger bed (i.e. full, queen, etc) she should be able to use the sheets and comforter from home. She can just tuck the extra under the mattress. Watch the sale ads if you need to purchase these things. Many places do back to school sales for back to college.

Renting textbooks is also a great idea. If you can't find them to rent, scour the internet. You can order many used books online. Make sure you leave time for the books to get here.

The best thing you (general you, not the OP. I'm sure the OP is an amazing mom) can arm her with (and I know this sounds silly saying it, but you'd be surprised) is worldly knowledge. Make sure she knows how to do laundry, cook basic meals, understand how the transit in the city works (if the school is in a city), awareness of people around her for safety, not to eat Ramen every day because it will make her sick, ask for help when she needs it, and basic first aid. You would be surprised how many times I get asked questions or have seen students fall into trouble without an understanding of these things. I can always tell when the first cycle of laundry is done in the semester. Someone always comes in with a shirt that was white that is now pink.

 

[Cloudless Nights]

Just curious: did your daughter receive federal work-study as part of her financial aid package? I'm going to be a junior at a university in the northeast this fall and the only "work-study" jobs are for those who received them already (i.e. as part of their financial aid package/federal aid). Here it's not something you can apply for after you've arrived, so I'm curious ifother schools do it differently.

Also, I agree with all the advice here. I especially recommend rain boots! Your daughter might think they're uncool at first, but after walking a mile to class through rivers and puddles, she'll change her tune!

 

[hffmnheidi]

As for major specific clothing-student teaching clothes can be accumulated since student teaching is not until your last 2 semesters. And polo shirts, button downs, nice sweaters can be pulled from your regular clothing wardrobe. That's what I did when I had to student teach. I used what I already had and only had to buy two skirts and three pairs of nicer pants. Look for sales at Kohls for a professional looking wardrobe. Professional type clothing makes great Christmas and Birthday presents for ed majors.

Don't forget a nice, longer RAINCOAT WITH A HOOD. Buildings always seem to be too far away in nasty weather. Umbrellas don't work well since most campuses are teaming with students and tiny little sidewalks.

 

[PrincessBelle09]

I second the rain boots and rain coat suggestion and an midsize umbrella that can be kept in her backpack for unexpected showers.

 

[mebbradley]

I suspect most college-bound students will have one of those from high school.

But you're right that the student may have some major-specific expenses. For example, I know that it's expensive to be an architecture major: All that balsa wood, etc. for models. Nursing majors will need college-specific scrubs when they reach student nursing. Education majors need professional clothes for their semester of student teaching. Various majors end up paying for specific tests towards certifications. All majors aren't equal, but -- on the other hand -- most of those specific needs won't show up during freshman year.

As for major specific clothing-student teaching clothes can be accumulated since student teaching is not until your last 2 semesters. And polo shirts, button downs, nice sweaters can be pulled from your regular clothing wardrobe. That's what I did when I had to student teach. I used what I already had and only had to buy two skirts and three pairs of nicer pants. Look for sales at Kohls for a professional looking wardrobe. Professional type clothing makes great Christmas and Birthday presents for ed majors.

Don't forget a nice, longer RAINCOAT WITH A HOOD. Buildings always seem to be too far away in nasty weather. Umbrellas don't work well since most campuses are teaming with students and tiny little sidewalks.

My school actually requires us to have professional clothing for teaching from first semester. We spend during freshman year roughly 2-3 hours a week observing in the classroom and my school is really strict that we have to be dressed up for those observations. So, that might be something you might want to check before she arrives (not knowing her major, this might not apply)!

 

[torinsmom]

Buy a tv at the thrift shop. They can be found for less than $30 in most areas. Also, see if you can find out her roommates info and they can coordinate that and a small fridge. You can get a small fridge on Craiglist for fairly cheap. Same thing with a microwave, although you can get a small one at Walmart for $30.

As far as a laptop, check here http://www.salescircular.com for all the sale prices. We just got a new Toshiba laptop from Walmart for $398 with all the bells and whistles. Be sure to get a warranty; I get ours through squaretrade.com. They always have discount codes. For my son's last laptop, I got a 3 year warranty including accidental damage for $40. Don't you know the screen got cracked last week and they are refunding the purchase price!

Books--If she can get a list beforehand, you can find used textbooks at half.com. I always emailed my professors to see if the previous edition was acceptable and for the general classes, it usually is. I also checked textbooks out of the library on occasion.

 

[rigs32]

On the subject of textbooks.... In law school, I bought mine through half.com. I'd get the book list a month before the semester started. Usually I could get the same edition, but sometimes i'd use an older one. You can use the table of contents to line up what pages need to be read. This might not work for science/math classes with problem sets that could change. I often sold the books to others at the end of the semester for the same price I'd bought them for and sometimes more!