10 Common Hidden Cost of College

Tuition, room, and board aren't the only college expenses to consider as you begin your education—and college expenses have hidden costs. While tuition is often the most expensive, small hidden costs can add up and be about the same. It is important to budget for hidden college expenses so that you are not surprised if you end up spending more than you expected. Budgeting these 10 expenses will ensure that you take on the appropriate amount of debt and prevent you from getting pinched at the end of the semester.

1. Access Codes and School Supplies

We all know that textbooks are expensive for the school budget. You may need to purchase Scantrons, iClickers, lab equipment, and other supplies for certain classes. Did you know that some classes require an additional online access token for compatible course content? These access codes can range from $50 to $200 depending on the class. If you take 4 classes per semester and each class requires a code, you can spend an additional $200 to $800 for the required course materials.

School supplies are often put under the radar of college expenses because we usually think a few notebooks and pencils can hold us back. Some students like to have their own laptops, tablets, and compatible accessories to make studying easier. If you do not have your own laptop, you will have to constantly use the computers available at your school in the hope of finding an unlocked one. You'll also have to make an appointment to come to campus and work on your homework, rather than being able to do it easily wherever you have Wi-Fi as you would with a PC.

2. Transportation

Having a car in college is very convenient because you don't have to worry about school bus schedules conflicting with class times. However, bringing your own car to college costs money. To park on your campus, you must pay a semester parking fee which can cost over $100 depending on your school. You will also have to pay for the gas and maintenance your car needs while you are in college. This hidden cost can cost you about $500 per semester depending on how often you drive.

3. Clubs and Organizations.

Being a part of college clubs and organizations is a great way to strengthen your resume and make friends. While some clubs are free to join, others may cost you. Semester fees for organizations like Greek Life can cost up to a few thousand dollars per semester, depending on your college. This is a huge cost that many students forget to think about and end up skipping because they didn't budget for it. If you plan to join a club or organization, check the cost per semester to see if it's within your budget.

4. Grocery and Food Stuffs

If you have a meal plan included in your tuition, grocery and meal expenses may not be considered when budgeting for college. Students who live off campus or opt out of a meal plan need to consider their monthly grocery bills. Allocating at least $100 a month to groceries, which are on the lower end of the cost range, will cost you a few hundred dollars a semester. You can shop for groceries and use your school's pantry if it is available to students.

5. Housing or Apartment Requirements

Although the bedrooms and most off-campus apartments are furnished, they are unfurnished. If this is your home for the next few years, it's important to make it feel that way. Proper sheets, towels, pillows, mattress covers, and storage containers are just the tip of the iceberg for dorm and apartment essentials. The great thing about this hidden cost is that you usually have to do it once or twice during your college career. If you buy durable products, you can keep most of your purchases for the New Year.

6. Social Travel

College is a great place to get out and meet new people. Unfortunately, going out isn't always cheap. Set aside some of your money so they can attend social events and hang out with friends without spending too much. We recommend saving it for the weekdays that seem more fun for your college town or going during the reduced entertainment hours.

7. Internship

The courses don't cost money to apply for or to complete, but some are unpaid so you can lose money. If you leave your part-time job for an internship for a better experience, you will not get any income during that time. You may also need to purchase appropriate clothing if you don't already have one. Many internships require you to wear professional clothing, so clothing costs can accumulate.

8. College Games

If you attend a major college, you may have to pay to attend college sports. Sports are a large part of some college culture, so it is important for many students to be able to participate in sports. Find out about free college sports at your school and see if there is a way to get discount tickets. If tickets are too expensive, you can always go to the back gates and watch them on the big screen.

9. Mandatory Fees

Besides your tuition, each school will add an additional fee that students often don't see when they receive their semester bills. These fees may include distance learning fees, lab fees, sports fees, and more. Although it is not usually very expensive, it is still something that you need to budget for at the beginning of each academic year to pay for your semester fees.

10. Emergency

It's no secret that emergencies can cost you a fortune when they arise. Whether you need to buy a last minute plane ticket home or replace your tires, having an emergency fund is crucial. We recommend keeping the $500 to $1,000 for emergency use only, and if you don't use it, you can always keep it for the next semester.

When it's time to budget and analyze the costs of everything college-related, be sure to consider these 10 hidden costs of college costs. Not only will you save yourself the headache of discovering that you are paying more than you thought, but you will also allow yourself to save money in the long run. When you know how much money you have, you can focus more on your homework and less on your finances. Hidden college costs shouldn't stop you from enjoying your semester, so we're highlighting them.