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How to Deal with Financial Nightmares During College

Written by CB Community

Heading to college is an exciting time in your life. There’s the excitement of studying an exciting subject, meeting new friends, and experiencing independence, often for the first time.

However, managing financially can be difficult for some students, especially when living away from home.

Here’s how to deal with those financial nightmares at college:

Work Out Your Budget

One of the most important things to do when preparing to go to college is to work out your budget and stick to it. Include accommodation costs, food, travel, books, and other items, so you know your expenses.

If you have a student loan refinance, consider any interest charges and repayment deadlines. Don’t forget to include some money for the fun times at college.

Include some set aside for an emergency, too, such as a bus fare home. By understanding and handling your budget, you will avoid running out of money.

Get to love being frugal by learning some cheap recipes, buying used items instead of new ones, and minimizing your spending. By getting into the habit of not being extravagant, you will manage your budget.

Stay Secure

When you get to college, you’ll find many new people, some of whom will become good friends. Unfortunately, there is a minority who cause trouble.

You need to be aware that although you are making friends, you don’t know much about your fellow students.

Be wary of anyone who asks for money, wants to know about your bank details, or access your phone where information may be stored. Never reveal your passwords to anyone.

Be aware of phishing emails because hackers often target students around the beginning of college and when finance from loans has been deposited into accounts. Do not click on suspicious links in emails or messages.

Get Insurance

Getting insurance for your possessions is essential if you are heading to college.

For example, if you lose your laptop or there’s a burglary in your apartment, it will cost money to replace items you need to study.

You can get insurance policies that cover students, and it will give you an extra layer of security.

Read the Small Print

When you take out a student loan or any financial agreement, make sure you read it thoroughly.

Be vigilant for clauses that include rises in interest rates, penalties for late payment, and any hidden costs.

Once you sign, an agreement becomes a legal document, so always be careful when planning to refinance student loans or other financial accounts.

Check Your Finances

When you manage a tight budget, you firstly need to prioritize what you are spending money on, and secondly, you need to check it. Log into your account weekly and look at your spending.

Then, check what you are spending money on and any future expenses.

By being vigilant, you will be able to make sure you have sufficient funds in your account and can pay for bills and other items so you don’t end up in trouble.

Be Wary of Credit Cards

A credit card is helpful for online purchases and as an emergency. However, it is very easy to run up a hefty bill by using a credit card.

Keep an account of your spending so you can anticipate any monthly bills and use your card sparingly.

If you have a credit card, check out those with a low or no interest rate and always pay off the balance each month to avoid accumulating debt.

Don’t Panic

If you are running out of money, don’t panic because help and support are available. You can speak to the pastoral team at college, who can offer advice.

Don’t rush into a loan, but look at reputable sources for the best private college loans and repayments.

The support service at college can help with things like emergency accommodation and food. Don’t suffer in silence but reach out to the college team for support.

A reputable student loan company can also advise you on managing finances and repaying any debt.

Talk to Someone

For some people, experiencing financial hardship or debt is distressing.

However, you don’t need the worry of finance to wreck your chances of a good college degree because you weren’t focused on your studies.

By reaching out, you can access support that will help you take each step at a time and plan things such as repayments or other financial responsibilities.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are people that can help with advice.

Graduate On Time

Stay on top of your studies so you don’t fall behind and graduate later than anticipated.

When you delay your coursework and exams, you will end up taking out your student finance for longer, which will cause further financial difficulties and a more significant repayment.

You will also take longer to earn a regular salary in the world of work.

Takeaway

There is a lot to think about when you go to college, particularly how you manage your finances. By managing money carefully and being prepared for an emergency, you will do just fine and enjoy every moment of college.

A student loan helps you manage your money while studying, but don’t overdo the loans or credit cards.

Above all, remember that you are not alone and reach out if you have a nightmare situation to access the best support.

About the author

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.