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What are Common College Expenses?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Tuition is the largest of the college expenses one will pay to attend college, but other expenses exist that can add up quickly. Freshmen are often required to live in dormitories, which means bedding, organizers, and other common dorm room furniture and accessories may need to be purchased. Aside from tuition, books for classes are perhaps the biggest of the out-of-pocket college expenses a student or parent will have to pay. Textbooks can be quite expensive, and students will need to purchase new or used ones every semester for different classes.

Outfitting a dorm room to be comfortable and functional does not necessarily have to be one of the more significant college expenses, but the purchase of everyday items that make life more comfortable can certainly add up. Towels, bed sheets, blankets, closet organizers, and even personal hygiene products may need to be purchased to make the dorm a comfortable space. In this case, setting a budget for dorm accessories may be in order to keep purchases reasonable and within budget.

Many students find the financial demands of college challenging.
Many students find the financial demands of college challenging.

A big chunk of money dedicated to college expenses will go to textbooks. Most colleges and universities sell new textbooks at the bookstore, but used copies can also be purchased for less money either at the bookstore or around town. Setting a budget for books may not always be feasible, since they are necessary for coursework regardless of price, but it is wise to shop around for used textbooks to keep the costs low each semester. Some colleges and universities also offer book scholarships, so students should consider seeking out such scholarships to supplement their book budgets.

College life in a dormitory can include costs like furniture and other necessary items.
College life in a dormitory can include costs like furniture and other necessary items.

Some college expenses will fall under the category of entertainment. Going out to eat, seeing movies, or just wandering through a college town can mean big expenses. A college student needs to draw out an entertainment budget to avoid overspending, especially if entertainment costs will cut into more important costs such as groceries, books, or other school supplies. Students should remember that a mismanaged budget can lead to debt, which can lead to the accrual of interest from high credit card interest rates. Students should generally avoid credit cards if at all possible, as college students are very susceptible to running up high balances that can haunt them for months or even years.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I would list groceries, eating out, gas and car insurance and cell phone bill as my major college expenses.

I'm not living in the dorms. I share an apartment with three other girls. Since I don't have a dining plan, I have to buy groceries and cook at home or eat out. Eating at home is cheaper, but sometimes I am lazy and eat out too much and that is expensive.

I also have a car, so obviously gas and insurance is an expense. Cell phone bill is another. I don't know what I would do if my parents didn't help out.

serenesurface

College textbooks can be so expensive! I remember paying close to two hundred bucks for one of my engineering books. That's actually rare because most professors are more understanding and will not require such expensive books.

One thing you can do is to first check the college library to see if the book you need is there. If you can check it out from the library, that's great. The next option is running to the bookstore to get a used copy before it runs out. If there are no used ones, you can either look online to get a cheaper copy or give in and pay the full price at the bookstore.

Even if you have to pay full price, don't worry. You can probably sell it back to the bookstore at the end of the semester and get some of the money back.

ddljohn

The biggest expenses for my dorm room were my television, mini fridge and water heater. These are a must or you will not be able to have a snack in the dorm, watch TV or even have a cup of tea.

Most dorms do have a common room though. It generally has a microwave, so you probably don't need to buy one. If there is a TV and you don't mind watching with other people, you won't have to buy that either.

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    • Many students find the financial demands of college challenging.
      By: opolja
      Many students find the financial demands of college challenging.
    • College life in a dormitory can include costs like furniture and other necessary items.
      By: xixinxing
      College life in a dormitory can include costs like furniture and other necessary items.
    • Keeping a record of expenses can help keep excessive spending in check.
      By: serkucher
      Keeping a record of expenses can help keep excessive spending in check.
    • Textbooks have to be purchased each semester, and can be expensive.
      By: ele
      Textbooks have to be purchased each semester, and can be expensive.
    • Students who live on campus might need money for laundry services.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Students who live on campus might need money for laundry services.
    • College students are more likely to go out to restaurants and bars.
      By: Deklofenak
      College students are more likely to go out to restaurants and bars.
    • College students often spend more money on cheap, junk foods.
      By: freshidea
      College students often spend more money on cheap, junk foods.
    • College students often spend time in coffee shops.
      By: winston
      College students often spend time in coffee shops.