Here are a few idealistic thoughts that may be of some help when planning academic finance:
1. In a perfect world, students would never have to work a job and attend classes at the same time. Summer or academic breaks should allow for full-time work or school, but never both. Use the breaks to work jobs to earn money, but devote your full attention to your studies.
2. Save your childhood money in a saving account for school: allowance, jobs, gifts.
3. Shop cheap for the common needs: school supplies, outer clothing, toiletries. You may require a specific school brand or a specific type of shoes/uniform which will be costly.
4. Textbooks are always overpriced; a known 'rip-off/racket.' Mass production causes books a short shelf life and the subject matter is usually obsolete after six months. The high retail costs of textbooks are unreasonable. Shop for 'cheap textbooks' online for price comparison. Depending on the subject, an older edition may suffice. Search the web for renting textbooks that are not of interest or not related to your major study. Save for books that are life-long needs for your career. Ask your professor to place the textbook on Reserve check out in the campus library.
5. Avoid loans.
6. Beware of private sector scholarships. They will demand your time and devotion and expect your presence at banquets and political functions to 'show you off' as their latest recipient. They may want you on their parade floats, banquets, or even volunteer functions. Make sure you research every scholarship before you pursue a given group and fully understand their expectations before you apply for their funding.
7. Be prepared if the money fails. Governmental or corporate funding is always fallible. One day a full scholarship, then a government or institutional issue takes the scholarship away. Yes, this happens too often. Remember, as sacred our country and world, it is still fallible despite the highest efforts. Disappointments contribute to reality just as every success and joy. You will find options and you will survive. Nothing can destroy determination and a true student. The true student will use the resources given and survive to succeed and become the greater servant to Creator and Humanity. Consider transferring to a less expensive college (public liberal arts or community college), try parttime enrollment and a parttime job on campus to reduce travel and research other financial aid options.
8. Live with your parents, grandparents, older sibling, or close aunt or uncle who live near the college if they are loving and supportive. They may expect some service or even rent that will work around your school scheduling. This can be far less costly than the traditional room/board provided by a college campus. Sadly, living with family can be more demanding than college requirements. Use this option wisely. This can eliminate unnecessary labor time and help you focus on your studies and required activities. Living in a shared private apartment is often affordable, but can distract terribly from your studies. It takes effort and a lot of quality time to form positive living arrangments with other people; often a gamble.
9. Vehicles do not have to be a necessary evil in school. Use campus, public transportation, or bicycle. Campus and public transportation are usually far less costly than owning a vehicle. Shop for daily car rental subscription companies for required one-day travel needs. Wait until your internship, or fieldwork before you obtain a vehicle. If your required activity allows for group travel, use the provided campus transportation. If your required off-campus activities are more than the number of group activities, you may need your own vehicle. Consider using a bicycle and a professional-corporate backpack. If your business travel is less than 5-miles, your professional attire will look pristine; if working in health care, you need to pack the uniform correctly and change before you begin work to promote germ-free attire. Bicycling to school and work is very wise for your holistic health as well as your budget. Urgent note: Learn and obey bicycling municipal laws before you cycle; bicycling requires a helmet, side mirror, and lighting and reflectors.
10. You can succeed when the world seems to bite you. When you honor the Creator and Humanity, you can do anything.
