Large Expenses

• Tuition is your greatest expense. Check for tuition rate increases yearly. Additional fees for the use of laboratories or technological and other equipment may apply. Housing costs depend upon your child's living arrangement --- at home, a dorm room or other on-campus option or an off-campus house or apartment with roommates to share rent and utility costs. Choose a meal plan that fits your budget and child's needs for cafeteria and other on-campus food selections.
  
  

Transportation Expenses

• A vehicle is optional. Students can catch a ride with friends, walk, bike or use public transportation to get around. Urban college students can budget for taking the bus or rail system, which typically offers student discounts. Car owners have campus parking fees and expenses for car insurance, gas, oil changes, license plate registration renewal, vehicle tax -- if applicable -- and vehicle maintenance.
  
  

Living Expenses

• Creating a comfortable living space is costly. A computer is useful, especially a laptop because of its light weight and convenience. Purchase closet organizers, hangers and seasonal clothes, along with personal care products, like a hair brush, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, bath towels, perfume or cologne and makeup. Dorm students need flip flops for showers. A bed set and comfy pillows foster a good night's sleep. Fill desks with office supplies, calendars and lamps, and remember laundry baskets, detergent and laundry money. Other desirable items include a television, small refrigerator, alarm clock, CD player, rug, microwave, wall hangings, bookcase and other furniture. Talk to roommates to avoid duplicates and discuss sharing items. Some dorms prohibit certain items.
  
  

Monthly Expenses

• Discuss with your child a monthly cell phone budget, and find out what utilities are included in housing payment costs. Some may need to budget for Internet access, cable TV, electricity, water or trash collection. If your student has a credit card, set a stern monthly spending budget.
  
  

Classroom Expenses

• Students need sturdy backpacks, pencils, pens, highlighters, notebooks and folders. Some professors hand out supply lists on the first day of class. Depending upon your child's major, extra supplies may be required. Art majors must purchase various art supplies throughout the year. Course books are also an expense that can cost $100 or more each, although used books offer savings.
  
  

Additional Expenses

• Maintain dental and health insurance coverage for your child. Most under age 26 can be included on their parents' health insurance plans. Other possible insurances are renter's, life, home and property. Spending money is required for having fun with friends at the movies or a restaurant, and rooms can be stocked with snacks, drinks and other groceries. If involved in sororities, fraternities, the band, sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities, account for dues, trips, fundraisers and other expenses. Unexpected occurrences --- like medical illness and vehicle breakdowns --- happen, so consider building an emergency fund.