A car can be a great asset, but finding a parking place when you're running late to class can be a real headache.

First, check with your college to see if incoming freshmen can even have a car.

• Gas

• Maintenance and repairs

• Insurance

• License

• Parking permits, toll fees

Cars take a huge bite out of your budget, and most of the time, all your classes are within walking distance of each other.

Other Means of Travel, either at school or to and from school

If you don't bring a car, then take into consideration the cost of other means of travel, such as airplane, train or bus.

Many students take a bicycle to school. Check with friends to see if this is a good idea. What we mean here is...some schools are built on major hills, like you know, mountains. So, you want to make sure you're up to peddling to the top.

Clothes

• Required Uniforms

• Sports and/or ROTC Uniforms

• Clothing for classes, dates, dress-up events, church, clubs

There is more about clothes in the tip, What Should I Take to College?

Organizations and Clubs

• Dues, subscriptions, outing expenses, special dinners, insignia clothing

• Special-interest clubs, such as Spanish Club, a computer club, band and/or choir

• Fraternity or sorority (If you plan to go this route, as a friend about what kinds of expenses are required.)

There are mega choices here. You can wait for a while to see where your interests lead.

Miscellaneous/Extras/Padding

This requires brainstorming and even some "wait and see." Examples are curtains, wall posters, CD players, computer software programs, clothes -- in addition to jeans and T-shirts, of course. Put in, about 7 percent of the total, for this category.

Note: And, where should you stash your money, once you have determined how much you will need? Upper-class students advise opening a local bank account, possibly one that pays interest, along with a savings account. That way, you can use your ATM card if you need cash, say over a holiday weekend, and don't want to pay long-distance ATM withdrawal fees.

Last, but not least, don't Forget Spending Money!!

Copyright 1992, J. Blake. All rights reserved.


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