Moving away to college for the first time is exciting, but you should be prepared to pay for more than just tuition, room and board. Read over this list carefully, so you are not surprised by the hidden costs of college when you move in.

Kent Credit Union is happy to provide this list to college freshmen and their parents. Please contact us at 330.678.2274 if we can help you with any of your financial needs.

Auto

You’ll need to check with your school to verify that freshmen can have cars on campus. Some colleges and universities do not allow it. If you do take your car to campus, be prepared to pay for: a parking permit, gasoline, maintenance (oil changes, etc.), insurance, annual registration, and an occasional car wash. If you are already driving the car you plan to take to college, take a few minutes to calculate your monthly auto expenditures and add that amount to your college budget. You may find that it’s best to leave the car at home for your first year. If you are currently paying off a car loan, be sure to check with Kent Credit Union to see if you can transfer your loan and save money on your monthly payment.

Estimated Cost: $100 to $450 a month

Bedding

Dorm rooms are not known for their soft mattresses. We recommend a soft mattress pad, though you’ll need to know what size your mattress is first. You may not get much sleep in your first few months at school, so make every ‘Z’ count with a comfy pad and pillow. A futon is another good choice to save space, but select one with a comfortable mattress. You’ll also want: a pair of fitted sheets and flat sheets, at least two pillow cases, and a warm blanket, quilt or comforter.

Estimated Cost: $150 (though you might be able to borrow bedding from home)

First Aid

Nothing is worse than being sick away from home. Your college may have a clinic, but most of the time, you can take care of minor injuries and ailments on your own. Be sure to pack a few things to ease any illness. Requirements include: aspirin or pain-killer, adhesive bandages, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers, and cold/allergy medicine. If you require prescriptions, make sure you refill them before heading off to school and transfer them to a local pharmacy if needed.

Estimated Costs: $35

Furnishings

Unless your dad is Donald Trump, you may have to sacrifice some luxury when you move out of your home and into a dorm room. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be comfortable and cozy. Most dorms are already furnished with a bed, a closet, an overhead ceiling light and some drawers. You may also get a desk and a mirror. Other essentials you’ll need include: wastebasket, shelves, clothes hangers, broom & dustpan or vacuum cleaner, area rug, comfortable chair/sofa/futon/bean bag, reading lamp, alarm clock, wall pictures or posters, and a table. You can find a lot of these items at a second-hand store or at summer garage sales if money is tight.

Estimated Costs: $220 to $700

Laundry

If you are lucky, you can get through your entire freshman year without doing your laundry on campus. That depends on how far away Mom lives. Chances are, you will need to do some or all of your laundry in your dorm’s laundry room, so be prepared. You’ll need: A small laundry basket, collapsible hamper, or duffel bag to keep and carry your clothes; and a small jug of condensed laundry detergent. Dryer sheets are optional, but recommended for soft, fragrant clothes. You will likely also need coins for the washer and dryer (some colleges now offer debit card payments).

Estimated Cost: $15 for supplies, plus $24 per week

Snacks

Even if you have a meal pass for three squares a day, you’ll need some extra cash for those ‘fourth meals’. “The Freshman 15” is a common term that describes weight gain during the first year of college. Actually, you probably won’t gain that much. Studies show that students on average gain 3 to 10 pounds during their first 2 years of college. Most of this weight gain occurs during the first semester of freshman year. The most economical way to avoid spending too much (and eating junk food), is to stock up on healthy snacks and drinks to keep in your dorm room to satisfy late night and afternoon hunger. Avoiding too many pizzas and fast food runs can save cash and pounds.

Estimated Cost: $80 a month

Textbooks and Supplies

Textbooks are often the biggest surprise to freshmen. They cost a lot and it is not unusual for professors to require new textbooks every year (preventing you from purchasing a used book from an upperclassman or used bookstore. Individual textbooks can range from $60 to $200, so be prepared for some sticker shock.

Estimated Costs: $450 per semester/quarter

Toiletries

Ah, the communal bathroom. It is an experience enjoyed by soldiers, prisoners…and freshmen. Unlike at home, you’ll need to tote your essentials from your dorm room to the shower/ sink every morning (or at least once a week if you intend to have a social life). Be prepared with flip-flops for the hike and a robe for privacy. You’ll also need something to carry your essentials. Remember to pack a towel, a washcloth, flip-flops, robe, toiletry case, razors (or electric razor), shaving cream, anti-fungal spray (to prevent athlete’s foot), brush/combs, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, mouthwash, contact lens solution, hairspray, cosmetics, nail clippers, cotton swabs, and other personal hygiene products.

Estimated Costs: $55 to $200 (depending on your robe and cosmetics)

Tools

Unless you plan on getting a part-time job on the maintenance crew, you won’t need a full toolbox. But these may come in handy occasionally for minor repairs and installations: multi-bit screwdriver, small needle-nose pliers, transparent tape, picture hanging kit (depending on your wall), hammer, adjustable crescent wrench. Write your name on each tool. When your neighbors find out you have tools, you’ll be lending them often.

Estimated Costs: $30

Transportation

Your bike and your feet are the best ways to get around campus. Assuming you have a bike, helmet, and some comfortable shoes already, your transportation costs will be relatively low. Buy a quality bike chain/lock and use it always. The local bus or train system will be helpful, so learn the routes near your campus as soon as you can.

Estimated Cost: $20/month for bus or train fare

Other Costs

Some other costs that may be required are listed below.

• Laboratory fees ($40 to $200 per semester/quarter)
• Student activity centers fees ($20 to $250 per semester/quarter)
• Health services fees ($40 to $120 per semester/quarter)
• Laptop Computer/Printer ($800 to $1,200)
• TV/radio/Video Game/mp3 Player (Cost varies)
• Cell Phone ($40/month)

These are estimated costs, but give you an idea of the hidden costs of college. Take a few hours to plan for first year and create an individual budget for yourself. Your college representative will be able to give you a more specific idea of your costs during orientation. Check your college/university website or contact the student services office for help.

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