what to expect
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Money-saving tips for parents
Tip #1: Have your student live on campus
College students often think they can save money by living off campus. However, there are a lot of hidden expenses with off-campus living that make residence halls and Greek houses much better deals.
Here are some costs to consider:
• Rent
• Security deposit
• Gas, electric, water, trash, telephone, Internet, cable bills (with installation fees)
• Furniture and dishes
• Food
• Cleaning supplies
• Renter’s insurance (to protect possessions if they are stolen or destroyed)
• Gas and parking permit to drive to campus
Living on campus has other benefits, too, such as meeting people and inspiring students to do more in the day than watch “House” reruns. The residence halls and Greek houses are great places to meet people and good jumping-off points for campus involvement. Most important, with other people around you always have a buddy to hang out with, whether its vegging out in front of the TV in your room or starting a pick-up sand volleyball tournament.
See what the residence halls have to offer
Tip #2: Purchase the 20-meal plan
There’s only a $70 difference between the 20-meal plan and the smallest plan, the 10-meal option, so you’ll save money by getting double the food for a fraction of the price.
Even if your student tells you he or she never rises early enough to catch breakfast, it won’t hurt to have the option. Who knows? Maybe it’ll only happen before that 8 a.m. final on Friday, but eventually your student will want breakfast. He or she might even thank you for your foresight.
Tip #3: Pre-order textbooks
Students can easily save hundreds of dollars by getting to the Union bookstore early and giving the employees a copy of their schedule for the next semester.
By early, we don’t mean two days before classes. Drop in before the current semester ends or during Orientation and Enrollment in June.
When students return (this time two days before classes is OK), the magic bookstore elves will have their orders ready and waiting.
The advantage is that by pre-ordering, students are almost guaranteed to get used books, which can mean a huge difference in price. And it benefits your student, too: used books often have main points highlighted and concepts jotted in the margins, providing tips on what to study from students who have taken the classes before.
Check the bookstore hours and offerings
Tip #4: Visit the Union computer store
Before you go out to purchase computers, iPods, or even USB drives, check here first. The Union computer store can sell Apple, Dell, Gateway, Microsoft, and Adobe products at educational prices. You can save on anything from Windows XP to the latest MacBooks.
The best part? All the goodies come way cheaper than at other retailers, so be sure to take advantage of the great student savings.
Read all about computers at K-State
Tip #5: Dumpster-dive (we’re serious)
Or garage sale, watch the classifieds, or do whatever you think of to find some deals on furniture. A great way is to offer to help move graduating seniors out. Many of them will have furniture they just want to get rid of, so it’s a great way to score a vintage loveseat or other “necessities.”
Shop K-State style (to complement your vintage finds)
Student money concerns
Worried about your student’s finances?
Budgeting isn’t his or her thing? If you feel as though you’re constantly lecturing but still not being heard, share our financial tips with your student. He or she will learn all about how to hang on to that hard-earned cash.
For more information
Check out K-State's tuition and fees
Find ways to get money for college
Learn about K-State financial aid