The College Money Insider Back-to-College Checklist
In just a couple of weeks, many colleges around the US will open their doors for fall semester. But before you rush off to college (either again or for the very first time) read through the checklist below for great resources to be prepared financially for the school year, and to help you save money on common college expenses. We’ve written a lot of helpful articles over the past year, and this is a great way for you to see several of them all in one place.
1. Money
- Button up your federal financial aid! Did you know that it’s not too late to submit the FAFSA for the 2011-2012 academic year? If you are in need of financial aid and have not completed the FAFSA yet, you still can. Check out How to Apply for Federal Student Aid.
- Find last minute scholarships. First, see August 2011 Scholarship Deadlines, and then visit FastWeb.com or Scholarships.org for more.
- Contact your student accounts office to see how much you still owe after federal grants, scholarships, loans, work study, and any university scholarships have been applied. Consider using small private student loans or working part-time to bridge the gap.
- Check out Mint.com for a free student budgeting resource!
2. Books
- Have you checked your curriculum to see which books you’ll need to buy? Once you do, see if you can find great deals on used books, electronic books, or books with a buy-back guarantee.
3. Food
- If you don’t have a meal plan, remember to make it a point to save money on food! Food costs make up the bulk of where your money goes during college.
- If you do have a meal plan, be sure to use it!
4. Transportation
- You probably have your trip to school already planned, but have you made a plan for Thanksgiving break? Consider using airline miles as a way to cut back on expenses. Do your parents have accumulated miles they’ll let you use to come home? (Good luck asking to use them to go to Mexico, though).
- Shop early for the very best rates on holiday travel.
5. Dorm needs, personal items, and clothes
- Have you ever checked out Coupons.com? They have a ton of good information on back-to-school (including college) savings. Before you even set foot in a mall, search to see if what you are planning to buy can be purchased for less.
- There are many other hidden college costs. Read this post to find out which you need to prepare for!
Good luck preparing to go back to college, and let us know if you have your own cost-cutting tips of your own to share.
