Some college costs – like tuition, school supplies, transportation, and accommodation – are unavoidable. However, there are a number of additional expenses that leave you with a bit of wiggle room. From online tutoring to good quality technology, let’s take a look at the most common non-essential college expenses and whether they’re truly worth it.
1. Tutoring
This one depends entirely on the individual. If you’re a self-starter who’s able to plan each semester out, creating a manageable study schedule that allows you to get top marks, then there’s really no need to engage the services of a tutor.
However, if you’re struggling with the change in structure from high-school to college or you’re finding the material too challenging, a tutor can make the difference between succeeding or dropping out.
2. Health insurance and medical expenses
Though it would be wonderful if everyone had access to health cover, it’s a sad fact that some Americans struggle to find room in their budgets for it. If you’ve moved away from your family for college, it can be comforting to know that you have a support structure in place in case something goes wrong. Having a policy with adequate hospital, optical, and dental cover can give you (and your parents) a bit more peace of mind as you acclimatize to this big change in your life.
3. Eating out and partying
Eating out and hitting bars with friends was once one of the major expense categories for college students. However, in the post-pandemic world, that is likely to change. Still, you will likely need to budget for a meal plan or groceries and the odd get-together with friends. To determine how much you can afford to spend in this category, it’s worth creating a budget that details all your income sources and major expenses. Only then will you know if meals out and parties are worth the expense.
4. Clothes
If you’re relocating to a city with a drastically different climate, you may need to invest in a new wardrobe. Even with the availability of student discounts, this can be an expensive mission. If you’re not flush with money, it pays to approach your school to see if they have any grants available for such expenses. Whether you’re able to get financial assistance or not, it’s also a good idea to visit thrift stores in search of quality clothing at affordable prices.
5. Technology
On top of the initial investment you make into your electronics, there’s always the risk of spilling a drink on your laptop or dropping your camera. Then, of course, there are things like software subscriptions and virus protection that may be non-negotiable.
Good quality tech and software are definitely worthy investments. However, if you’re struggling financially, the best equipment can feel out of reach. This is where your school may be of assistance. Check with the IT department to see if they offer free or discounted technical assistance. Then hit up student services to see what discounts and special offers are available to you. It’s also worth investing in sturdy protective covers, keyboard skins, and insurance in case the worst happens.
Though your tuition fees will likely be your biggest college expense, these other categories can quickly add up if you don’t have a budget and spending strategy in place. Use the tips above to guide you in your decision-making, and you can have peace of mind that you’re making wise choices with your money.
