After one or two years of living in the dorms, most students decide that it’s time
to move on. The idea of sharing one room and dealing with a cocky floor RA gets
old quickly. Surprisingly, you can save hundreds by moving out. You don’t even have
to live off of ramen and powdered milk to do it. The average college dorm will cost
each person $690 a month while the average 2 bedroom apartment will cost $403. For
a 3 bedroom apartment, the average drops to $375. This price takes into account
rent, utilities, and a basic cable/internet package. Oh yes, and a separate room
for each person. Here are some money-saving tips that will help you make the most
out of your move.
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Food
Buy in bulk
Stock up on non perishables
Buy staple foods that can be used for numerous meals e.g. chicken, cheese, bread,
fruits and vegetables
Limit the number of times you eat out
When you do go out, check school newspapers for daily food specials
Utilities
When heating the apartment, close off rooms that are not in use. The less space
there is to heat, the less money you have to dish out
Wait until your hamper is full before using the washing machine. One big load costs
less than multiple small ones. This also applies to dishwashers
Invest in a good fan to minimize air conditioning costs
Electronics and Technology
If you decide to purchase a computer, skip the laptop, and go for the less expensive
PC. Most companies also offer special deals for students; ask around before splurging
Purchase cable and internet as one package, the basic one
If you already have a cell phone, skip the at-home phone line
The Little Things
Don’t be a decorating diva. Use plastic containers and closet storage racks to avoid
furniture purchases
Place your desk near a bedroom window to minimize lamp usage. Natural light is better
for you anyway
Avoid frequent car usage. If you and your car are bound at the hip, at least find
an apartment close to campus
Buy generic items. Most of these are just as good. This applies to food, cleaning
supplies, and kitchen supplies (garbage bags, paper towels etc)
Any money that you can save as a student will make your post-graduate years that
much easier. My professor gave me a piece of advice that still seems to apply. "You
can live like a student now or live like a student later."
College is a big commitment and burnout is easy if you don’t pace yourself. That said, taking a semester off is a normal thing to do while pursuing your degree. Whether you need a quick break for personal reasons or exciting opportunities, like a once-in-a-lifetime trip or work experience, here’s what you need to know about your scholarship money before taking time off.
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — more commonly known as FAFSA is the key to funding your college education. Not only can the FAFSA connect you to grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities, but filling out the form is
also the first step to applying for federal student loans. Even though filling out the FAFSA is simple and straightforward, several misconceptions still fly around it. Here are the top FAFSA myths you need to stop believing. [...]
Everyone wants to win a full-ride scholarship and enter their freshman year without financial stress. However, the reality is that you have a greater chance of winning smaller scholarships to aid your degree goals. Get a head start on your scholarship game this summer, so that you can head into your senior year closer to funding your college goals. [...]
