Blog Highlights
- How to Spot Hidden College Costs: Learn about common expenses that often get overlooked, from off-campus housing fees to transportation and daily living costs.
- Simple Strategies to Cut Spending: Learn practical ways to save money, including affordable housing tips, meal planning ideas, and how to find discounts on textbooks and supplies.
- Money Habits That Pay Off Long-Term: Learn how to build strong financial habits in college, like budgeting, saving consistently, and using part-time work to cover everyday expenses.
College costs can really add up! From tuition and books to room and board, it definitely pays to plan early and prepare for the typical college expenses ahead. Sometimes, however, there are hidden College costs that can be a financial burden, especially when the expense was unexpected or underestimated.
If you have college expenses in your future, it is crucial to plan ahead to make sure College costs are taken care of. It’s also a smart money move to use a low-interest rate credit card like Members Plus Credit Card for managing College costs over the next four years.
Here are some of the most common unexpected College costs to help you plan ahead for typical expenses as well as those that may come as a surprise.
The Real Budget Busters - What’s Not on the Tuition Bill
Housing Cost Surprises
While everything is typically included or mentioned up front when a student lives on campus in a dorm, there are a variety of hidden College costs involved with off-campus housing, such as utilities, internet, security deposits, and furniture.
How to Save:
- Split housing costs with roommates.
- Shop for used furniture or borrow from family/friends.
- Use budgeting templates to plan for monthly bills.
Food Expenses Can Add Up Quickly
Student meal plans don’t cover everything you want and need, and things like take-out, coffee runs, and grocery expenses add up quickly.
How to Save:
- Learn basic cooking skills and prepare meals versus ordering take-out.
- Use coupons and student discounts at local grocery stores.
- Meal prep to reduce waste and cost.
Textbooks and School Supplies Can Be Expensive
While textbooks and school supplies are expected, be aware of hidden college costs like access codes, printing, and software subscriptions that may be needed.
How to Save:
- Buy used, rent, or share books with classmates.
- Research free online PDF versions of required material from the library.
- Sell back books at the end of the semester.
Transportation and Daily Life Costs Money
Transportation costs are often overlooked when considering college costs. From rideshares and public transit to car maintenance, and parking fees – plan ahead for these college costs that can really add up.
How to Save:
- Use student transit passes.
- Walk or bike when possible.
- Budget for monthly transportation expenses.
Smart Money Moves for College Students
There are a variety of smart money moves college students can make to help with expenses and to save money for school. Here are a few good money habits for college students.
Get a Part-Time Job:- Working a part-time job while attending college is a smart money move because it can help cover day-to-day costs. Look for on-campus jobs as well as online jobs that offer academic flexibility with no commute to save!
- Making regular savings deposits helps with unexpected bills during school and also builds a cushion to help prepare for life after graduation.
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- Accept a 52-Week Money Challenge.
- Use a budgeting app.
- Try themed no-spend weekends.
Tools to Help You Budget and Build Credit Responsibly
MPCU has the tools you need to help you budget for college costs and build a good credit history in the process. Here are some tools to help with paying college expenses and planning for the future.
Bonus Tips for Everyday Savings
In addition to making smart money moves and planning for college costs, here are some bonus tips for everyday savings that can add up when you’re on a budget.
- Take advantage of student discounts on subscriptions, tech, and restaurants.
- Attend free events on campus instead of expensive nights out.
- Shop thrift stores for clothes, dorm essentials, and more.
Avoid Hidden College Costs with Tips and Tools from Members Plus Credit Union
The team at Members Plus is here to help our members in any way we can, and that includes college costs and planning for life after college. From online apps for banking to no-fee checking accounts, Members Plus invites you to contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate college costs and budget for hidden expenses.
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