10 College Tips to Consider
Ryan Bellerose
1. Try and utilize financial aid if you can.
Apply for financial aid if you need to. You can talk to on campus advisors for financial aid help! If personal situations change, you can always apply for financial aid, even if you didn't the year before.
2. Use loans as a last resort.
Loans can be dangerous, and seriously set you back in life financially if you cannot pay it off. However, if you need to take out a loan, there are multiple options, so consider your options carefully.
3. Make school your first job.
The most important asset to getting a great job down the road in life is a college degree. Don't let a part time job interfere with your grades and hurt your chances of passing courses.
4. Set ground rules about money with your roommates.
Make sure your roommates are paying their fair share on time. You need to be able to go to college and have it be your first priority, and you shouldn't have to worry about your roommates making poor financial choices, especially if they affect you.
5. Separate needs from wants.
If you spend money on every want that pops into your mind, you won't have enough money to pay for needs when you really need to. It's a fast way to lose money.
6. Create a budget and stick to it.
Creating a budget lets you safely plan out how much money you'll need for all of your costs. If you overspend, it can be hard to get back on track, especially if you don't have some sort of source of reliable income.
7. Avoid credit card pushers.
If you really don't need a credit card, then don't get one. However, if you do think you need one, ONLY get one, and make sure to pay it off in full each month in order to avoid racking up debt.
8. Pay yourself first.
Saving money in an account can be really helpful and important. Put money into a savings account first, before you buy other things. This is an easy way to make sure you always have money saved up, either for a long term goal or an emergency.
9. Look for a job on campus (if you need to).
If you find yourself strapped for cash, try looking for a job on campus. Most campuses are designed so that students do not need to drive everywhere. Finding a job on campus saves money on gas AND puts money in your pocket for when you really need it.
10. Take time to prepare for your career.
Setting up an adequate resumé and finding potential career options is a viable and worthwhile use of your time. It can give you a real boost in career-finding experience, help you further decide what you want to be, and potentially save you time (through not having to do as much in the future).