Being Money Smart - A College Student Observation

Most college students are not rich, regardless of what people are willing to believe. Granted, the life of a college student can be deemed "the good life," but that certainly doesn't make it an easy one. Survival is a big deal, especially when you're low on cash.

You know for sure that you're a full - time college student if you're eating "Chicken Noodle Soup" and "Oatmeal" for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. OK, for some of us, its not THAT bad, and the food choices are not that limited. But, it is imperative for a college student to watch the level of how much food is available in the cupboard.

However, if one knows how to handle their money, then the college student life wouldn't be so bad, despite gas prices, the price of food and the list goes on.

First, look at how much you have. Whether you have a bank account or whether you have regular cash. Count the coinage too!! That's right; count the nickels, dimes, pennies, you name it. Those coins make a difference between you having a few dollars, and a decent amount of cents (no pun intended).

While counting the money you have, make a note of it in a ledger, or at least in a notebook. Once you have a clearer view of how much money you have, start looking at what you know you're going to need, whether it is school supplies or food or other basic necessities. Make sure that if you do have everything you need, to ration. No need to run to the movies, the mall, the store, or anywhere to buy junk that is both unnecessary and costly. Then where would you be? You would have the new item, but not the cash necessary to buy something light like a soda or lunch for the next day.

Speaking of which, beware the snack machines and cafeteria (especially if you do not have a meal plan). If you can help it, try eating in your dorm or apartment, especially if you can fix something up really fast (preferably something healthy if at all possible). Plus, it saves you a lot of time and energy especially if you're going to stay at home for the remainder of the day and have no other classes or random errands to run.

And as for a vehicle, if you're able to walk, and you have a great parking place, leave the car sitting there. It'll be fine without you so long as you have the vehicle locked and all "expensive" or "valuable" items in a safe place. Plus, here's the clincher, it saves gas!! The more you save gas, despite the current decline of the prices, the better!!

Also, how good are you at doing without? No, you still have to take showers and do other things like that, especially if you're living off campus. Their really is no excuse to not shower or anything like that, especially if the campus is already paying for it. But, expensive activities like getting your haircut. If you can survive a little longer without getting a haircut every certain period of days like you normally do, you may be able to stretch out how long your money can last.

At the same time, if you must, you must! Do what you believe will keep you comfortable without potentially starving yourself to death mentally, physically, and spiritually.

To add, a part time job is not too bad at all, but do consider most importantly, your academics!

For the new college students, good luck on your first years, and certainly hope for it not to be your last years…until you graduate with that degree!