How Much Can You Afford?

Studying at a university can be expensive, and students need to make certain that they set a reasonable budget. Students need to take into consideration not only the university's matriculation fees but things such as textbooks, meals, living expenses, personal needs, and incidentals. Students that are relying solely on student loans to pay for their daily and monthly expenses will need to carefully and thoughtfully calculate how much they can afford to pay in housing costs each month or on a yearly basis. For those students that are working to pay for their university studies will need to be equally thoughtful in their budget planning.

In addition to rental costs, students will also need to determine if utilities or meals are included in the cost of rent. Some universities, especially for students that live in on-campus residences, provide students with three meals each day. The cost of these meals is included in the monthly rent. Off-campus housing sometimes provide services such as water and garbage pickup. While these services are not always included in the cost of housing, students will need to inquire about these services in order to better determine their overall budget.

How Close Will You be to Campus?

Most college students would agree that the closer one lives to campus the better. This is especially true for students that have early morning classes, classes at varying times during the day, or classes in the late evening hours. The convenience of going home to study, eat, or nap and having easy access to the library and other university facilities is important. Most college students want to make certain that they get the full taste and experience of university life, and one way to do so is to live as close to campus as possible. In some cities, housing may be less expensive further away from the school. However, if students can afford the cost of rent, living closer to campus is the best option.

Furnished or Unfurnished?

Students studying abroad as well as college students in general usually do not have the financial means or resources to furnish a residence. While most students can expect to provide their own linens, towels, and other sundries, these same students will likely not own items such as refrigerators and desks. Study abroad students will not have the ability to bring these items with them even if they do own them. For these reasons, it is essential for students to ascertain if they residence is furnished or not. If the residence is furnished, they need to make certain they determine with what items the residence will be furnished.

Will You Have a Roommate?

Having a roommate can be a tremendous help to college students. A roommate can make rent more affordable, and provide students with companionship. While living on one's own does have its perks, having a roommate can be very beneficial as well.

There are many factors in regard to collegiate housing that students need to consider before classes begin. Making appropriate housing arrangements beforehand can truly enhance a student's university experience and create special memories for life.

Kitchen

One of each:

• Microwave-safe plate
• Microwave-safe mug
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Cup
• Fork
• Knife
• Spoon
• A plastic drying rack for your dishes to be placed on after washing them
• Detergent for the dishwasher (if you have one)
• Sponge and a towel for your dishes and cups
• Plastic baggies
• Plastic containers so that you can store extra food
• A water bottle that can be refilled and a travel mug
• Consider bring a crock pot if you dorm allows it
  

Snacks:

• Granola/Power bars
• Trail mix
• Mixed nuts
• Dried fruit
• Beef jerky

Bathroom

•    A plastic shower basket that can hold your soap, shampoo, conditioner and other items
•    A pair of flip-flops that you can use in the shower
•    A towel and/or bathrobe
•    A hand towel
•    Dental items:
    o    Toothbrush
    o    Toothpaste
    o    Floss
    o    Mouth wash

Room Aesthetics

•    A set of plastic shelves that will allow you to store miscellaneous items and keep you organized
•    You favorite posters, banners, flags and both tape and wall pins
•    Desk organizer.  Something that will allow you to organize pens, paper clips, staples, etc
•    A desk lamp that will allow you to study late at night
•    A set of bed sheets, blankets, and pillows – check the size of your bed with your college’s housing office
•    A couple storage container that can easily slide under the bed

Miscellaneous Items

•    A lock for you bike and possibly a helmet
•    USB port for you computer files
•    Blank CDs for backing up your computer

1.    Honestly complete the roommate questionnaire that you school sends you.  As a freshman, you will most likely receive a questionnaire from your college’s housing office something in the summer before school begins.  The main purpose of this questionnaire is to get your paired up with someone who is compatible with your habits.  This is definitely not made to find you a new best friend.  The questions asked can include some of the following:
a.    Smoking habits
b.    Drinking habits
c.    Study habits
d.    Cleanliness
e.    When you go to sleep

Answering these questions honestly will greatly help the housing office match you with someone who can probably deal with your habits and vice versa.  You don’t want any surprises a week after move-in day.

2.    Be considerate to your roommate.  This is a rule that is often forgot about, but you should always keep in mind that you want to treat your roommate as you’d like to be treated.

3.    Be open minded and give your roommate a chance.  It is not a great way to start a year of living together with someone if you decide that your roommate is a jerk from day one.  The two of you may act a little differently than you normally do because of all the stress that can come with the first week of college.  Therefore, you should give your roommate and yourself a chance to calm down, settle in, get comfortable, and get into a groove.  Communicating with each other is the best way to find out expectations and try to negotiate certain things.
4.    Make sure to communicate the boundaries that are important to you.  There are some things that you will not be able to negotiate.  For example, you should not have to make compromises based on your religion, sexuality and personality.  Communicate this clearly and make sure that your roommate respects the space that you need.

5.    There is no one forcing you to be best friends, unless you want to be.  The odds that your roommate in college is going to be your best friend are very small.  You are not obligated to spend all your time with you roommate.  Feel free to branch out and make new friends, even if your roommate is attached to you.  At some point, you both will find your own niche of friends and still be great roommates.

Some colleges allow students to choose their roommates.  This is where you can choose to live with a long time friend or someone that you know previously.  But be careful with this option.  A great friend does not mean that he or she will be a great roommate.  And also staying great friends might be tougher than it seems because of the drama that can arise from being roommates.

The most important thing to remember is to communicate with your roommate.  You will be able to a more filling experience if the both of you are on the same page and understand each others needs.

2. Eating does not take care of depression. If you feel homesick do not be tempted by comfort food. It is a good idea to keep in touch as much as possible with your family back home, so make an effort to call home every week.

3. Cut back on snacking and eating food late at night. Stay away from tempting fast foods when studying late nights or coming back from the bars.

4. When partying take into account that one beer has 100 calories and drinking a lot could add extra weight to your hips. Also as hard as it might be say no to those mouth watering drunk snacks.

5. Socialize as much as possible. Once you create new friendships and relationships you are less likely to get emotional about missing home or your old friends wicth can lead to emotional snacking.

6. Join or try out for competitive college sports or friendly team sports. You will meet new people and it will also give you a fun way to exercise and stay in shape.

7. When you go out to eat or order in it is wise to split your meal with your roommate or friends. Splitting meals will cut back on the cost and on the calories.

8. Try and walk as much as possible. Walk instead of biking to your classes, friend’s house, or out to eat.

9. Take advantage of your schools gym or workout facilities. Most Universities have really nice workout facilities that are included with your tuition and fees. Or if you want to mix it up you should try to join a local gym.

10.  De-stress. It is important to deal with stress in a healthy manner. Create a healthy diet, get a good amount of sleep, and exercise on a regular basis.

One of the most stressful events as a freshman college student is trying figure out everything you need to pack in your suitcase or stack up in your parent car. A lot of freshmen bring too many big items that they won't have room for and leave out the smaller important necessities that they really do need. Below is a list of the important necessities that freshman should consider bringing:

Please see australia.edu's top tips below!

1. Alarm clock. When buying an alarm clock make sure it has a snooze button and also that it is going to be loud enough to wake you up every morning.
2. Cell Phone. Today the majority of students use cell phones for all purposes. Make sure to investigate when buying a phone and service plan. Ask ten people what they have and what do they like and do not like about their cell phone provider.
3. Laptop/Computer/Printer. Having a laptop or computer for your dorm room saves a lot of time having to go back and forth to the library. Some dorm rooms are small, so using a compact laptop might be the smartest idea. Having a printer is very useful when you don't have time to print stuff out at the school library.
4. Back up all data. One of the scariest things to happen to a college student is having their computer or laptop brake down or stolen, losing important information that could have taken years to obtain. You need to always back up your data on a USB external drive, Floppy disk, Memory stick, etc.
5. Music. Save time, money, and space by using an ipod for your music storage and usage. Also be considerate of your roommate when listening to music as he or she might not like the same music or find your music offensive.
6. Flip flops for the shower. Some shower floors can be very disgusting, so it is a good idea to wear flip flops when showering.
7. Laundry basket. Be organized and put all your dirty cloths in a laundry basket, so your roommate will not have to deal with your mess.
8. Hygiene materials. Bring basic hygiene items such as soap, face wash, shower soap, etc.
9. Basic linens. Long sheets, blankets, cozy pillows, bath towels, hand towels, etc.
10. Cleaning Supplies. Windex, Cleaning rags, sponges, AJAX, mop, dust rag, broom etc.
11. Medications/first aid. Bring everything to cure the common sickness, also bring a small first aid kit for physical wounds.
12. School supplies. Make sure to stock up on all the college supplies prior to the start of school. Example: pen, paper, notebooks, dividers, eraser, stapler, etc.
13. A good backpack. You want to make sure your backpack is top quality because students can hurt their back in the long run if they have a droopy backpack that puts all the weight on your lower back.