Budgeting in College: An Essential Skill For Success

With a whole raft of new girls heading off to college this season, it’s natural that we want to advise them of the skills they need to thrive there.  Budgeting is one of the most important skills they'll need, and it's not just all about money either. 

Read on to find out more.

Food Budget

First things first, it doesn't matter how much money to have in all of your other budgets if you are struggling to buy food. Something not all college starters realize is that if you are not eating right, then you won't be able to concentrate properly. So your grades will suffer. 

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Remember to set yourself a weekly food cost target and go shopping once a week. Popping to the campus store to pick up bits and pieces after every class, might seem convenient. But prices are likely to be inflated, and you will end up spending way more than you need to on unnecessary items like cookies and candy.

It's also worth budgeting for the more stressful times. Remember when it's finals time, you often have a lot less time to cook and take care of what you are eating, so it's easy to live on junk. It's good to have the money for the occasional pizza. But it's much better to be getting three healthy square meals a day, and cheaper too, get some ideas at http://startcooking.com.

Going Out Budget

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Another essential aspect of your budget that you will need to keep an eye on is your partying money. Remember enjoying yourself and socializing is a major component of the college experience that you're not going to miss out on. However, it's nearly impossible money-wise and time-wise to accept invitations to everything. So you have to be picky in what you choose to attend.

Essentials Budget

Something else that is is a good idea to have a separate budget for is essentials that don't come under food or partying. This can be things like shampoo, shower gel, washing powder and basic makeup supplies.

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​Remember that these items can be quite pricey and will add to the costs of you other budgets They are also fairly regular things that you can plan for. Shop around to get the best deals on toiletries. The dollar stores often stock big brands names for a fraction of the price. For washing powder, try and buy it when it is on offer and stock up for the whole term. For your basic makeup, you will need to get on the internet and compare prices on sites like makeupbychelsea.net. This will help you always to be able to get what you need without going into debt.

Time Budget

The other budget that it pretty vital is your time budget. It makes sense to think of time as something that can be spent each day and it's up to you to decide on how you wish to use it. Remember to schedule enough time in for a good night's rest and some relaxation as all work and no play is a recipe for disaster. 

Planning your time will help you meet your study targets too, and make sure you won't be so stressed when it gets to finals.

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​by Iconic Chica Contributors