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Seeing as one of the biggest things college students pay for in college is college in and of itself we decided to look into a little bit of what factors go into choosing a college and what students look for in a school when deciding where to invest in their future. 

On eschoolnews.com they discuss the top 5 influencing factors that led college students to picking their colleges. The first reason was because of the online sources they were using to research the schools. If the top 3 websites listed (scholarships.com, collegeprowler.com and individual university websites) provided adequate and interesting opinion it was stated that it helped form their decision a little better. The second deciding factor was the scholarships that were offered to them (how many were offered, how much was offered, etc.). The third reason was the college’s presence on social media and what their friends or other people posted about the university on social media platforms. The fourth reason students picked their university was because of questions or discussions they had with someone on online conversations usually via the chat boards on the individual college website or other mass discussed college websites. The final reason students picked their colleges was for the groups that they could be apart of after graduating such as Greek organizations, clubs and other associations.

-Mare

Aside from tuition, books and other direct costs for class, college can be a very expensive thing. Whether you’re buying yourself food, coffee or paying to go out with your friends all these costs add up. So what are students spending all of their disposable income on exactly? Personally and by asking fellow college students it was found that most of our disposable income goes towards food and coffee. Another thing that people mentioned often was paying for off campus activities with their friends such as bowling, movies, city night life or beach days all of this including the gas they had to spend to get to said places. Personally I know I spend a lot of money on organization dues every semester so depending on the person and their interests they may have to pay varying amounts for membership. Additionally there may be occasional splurges that people make on the must have products at that time. Seeing as college students don’t have much disposable income to begin with, the amount of money spent on luxuries, such as Starbucks, seem ridiculous. However, they’re completely necessary because we’re hard working students after all and we deserve to be treated every now and then!
-Chatty Charlie

Once a college student has figured out their university of choice, their next step is to be prepared for that upcoming year.  For most they question, what products or items should they purchase to prepare for college?  As a college student, the first product I would probably purchase is a laptop computer.

  Every student needs a portable device to take notes on, purchase e-books or for the usage of personal entertainment.  Secondly, the essentials needed such as a backpack, pens, pencils, notebooks, textbooks, etc.  Lastly, I found for most students new clothing is considered something to be prepared for with college.  Perhaps, the idea of wearing the latest trend to impress others.  If you live on-campus a few purchases that can be made to prepare for college is a mini fridge, sheets for the bed, bathroom and desk essentials and personal products.  The list can become endless but the most important nontangible thing to prepare for college is to stay motivated.  You will need to keep yourself motivated through that first year to continue to be successful.

-KeAnna

Today college students accumulate more debt than savings. Most college students lack a savings account and/or the ability to place money aside for a rainy day.  When you are balancing academics, organizations and a social life, finding the time and funds to save is difficult. For those who struggle to place small amounts aside a few small tips according to mefa.org that can be utilized are: setting a savings goal, avoid purchasing on credit cards and stop buying on impulse. These tips can allow college students to save up to $2,800 a year.

Additional saving habits students can do are: have a dollar transfer to your saving account after every debt transaction, spend only half of your income, and view your saving as a prize to yourself. As a college student myself who struggles to save money just as much, I’ve learned to place my tips into a box rather than my account. Not allowing myself to see the amount accumulated has allowed for a better saving habits. Adding the additional funds I earn to the jar gives me a needed safety net. Having a savings for a rainy day can come in handy for days when rent is due and supplies is needed.
-Mary

College students are constantly battling between deciding what is really necessity and what is not. When you start paying for everything yourself and living on your own you become very conscious of prices. Personally, I’ll hesitate to buy a $20 shirt but I’ll buy $30 worth of sushi without blinking an eye. College students have a unique idea on what is necessary. For example some necessary goods and services are for college students are: Netflix, a smart phone, lap top, coffee, food, and toiletries. College students have their own culture so some items that may seem completely necessary to normal people are irrelevant to college students. Furniture? Eh. We can just use mattresses on the floor. Plates, dishes, and silverware? Nah. We can just eat out of containers or makeshift utensils. Wifi? NECESSITY!
-Shani