The holidays are almost over and it is almost time to go back to school. Here is a to-do list of things to take care of before the semester starts:
Textbooks: One of the first things I look at each semester is the textbook prices. I make most of my book purchases online so I like to order my books early in order to make sure they have ample time to arrive. Check out Amazon.com, Half.com, and your local college bookstore in order to find the best deals on books. Last semester I saved about $150 by shopping around instead of buying from one source.
Finances: There are several ideas to consider when it comes to finances. Are you going to use a parental scholarship (are your parents going to pay for you?) or is this going to come out of your own pocket? Both grants and scholarships are available. I know of a black man who won an African-American Woman scholarship because he was the only person that applied for it. Even if you don’t think you can get it, apply and you may be surprised. Federal grants are another way to go, but if you’re hoping to get one for winter semester you might be out of luck. The deadline for the FAFSA applications for federal grants are in the summer (by May 1 if you want it ready to go by fall semester). However, keep the FAFSA in mind this semester and be ready to apply for it once you have your taxes figured out.
Health insurance: You never know when you’re going to get a near-fatal paper cut or get jabbed by pencil lead. College is a dangerous place. It will definitely be cheaper to stick with your parents’ health insurance if that’s an option. If it’s not, many colleges offer decent insurance coverage to their students.
Housing: Making sure your housing is in order is a key step to getting ready for college. If you’re continuing with your fall semester housing contract, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you are wanting to change apartments, then you may have some work to do. Be sure to check and make sure that your new place will work with your transportation arrangements. If you’re planning on driving every day, then it doesn’t matter too much how far away from campus you live. If you’re going to be walking or biking, distance is going to be a key factor. This brings us to. . . .
Transportation: How will you be getting to school? Many colleges offer discounted bus passes that can help you to get to class faster yet on a budget. Busses decrease the amount of pollution in the air and the number of cars on the roads. If you’re going to be taking a car, you’ll have to factor in gas prices and other expenses. If college isn’t too far away, a bike or a good walk can be a great way to both get your exercise in and save money.
About the Author
Stephen Sharpe is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a resource for you to use if you want to enroll in the best online universities.
