There’s no better feeling than walking past your entire senior class with a new found sense of accomplishment. You’ve done it. You’ve endured the emotionally heart wrenching years of High School. All those late night study groups and fast food runs have paid off. Whether it’s the glimmer of Friday night lights, the harmony of the school band, or the time spent nose deep in the books, everyone has memories to cherish from their high school years.

Now its time for a big smack in the face. Reality is about to hit. Hard.

The Transition

So high school was great. How much worse could college be? Well most people are not aware of the major transition involved when moving up the educational ladder. That high school diploma is your ticket to a rewarding yet painful path towards a more prestigious document of certification. Granted, college years will probably be some of the most memorable years in your life. It’s the first year or so that this article is focused on.

Remember all that stuff your parents paid for? Your cell phone bill, car insurance, or even clothes and shoes? They wont be able to pay for you forever. This differs heavily for different people. In my experience, I had to completely fend for myself. For others, this may be different. In the end, your parents wont be paying for your stuff! It’s important to try and cut back on things you may not need. This is a great skill to establish early on in life. Here’s a few tips for cutting back.

Food can eat up your budget! 

Try looking for deals at the grocery store, instead of getting fast food every day. Usually if you look around for a bit, you can find some great savings on food and drinks. If your in an apartment, try to stock up your fridge with savings! If your in a dorm, you may have more options. Most schools have meal plans. For the most part, these meals are moderately appealing and worth the price. Just remember that the average college student spends up to $150 a month on food. Thats almost $8000 on a four year degree! It may not seem like it now, but food is a huge expense with many options for savings.

Ask your school. They’ll be glad to help!

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Unlike in the past, colleges these days offer many programs and options that help you save cash! A popular program is book trading. Students trade in used books, therefore making them cheaper for the next student that needs it. In the end (granted your book is in good condition) you could make most of your money back. This is just one of many options that schools provide. Don’t be afraid to ask! Your school will be glad to help you conserve!

Emotional Support

High school is infamous for its drama. “She said what?”. “He’s dating who?”. In college, most of these conflicts remain. What people don’t know is that it gets worse. With roommates, fraternities/sororities, and your own money management… Things can get a bit tricky.

Emotional breakdown is close to inevitable. It’s important to always have someone who’s there for your emotional support. If an emotional release isn’t available, it can lead to depression. This depression can grow without some form of expression. You need to find someone you can trust in. Parents are the primary candidates for this position. If you have a good relationship with your parents, let them help you along your journey to success. Chances are they’ll be glad to help and it’ll bring you and your family closer together.

Determination is key!

It’s time to get down to it. In the end, it comes to your choices. They define you in every aspect. Beginning this quest for knowledge and success was your choice. You cannot let small, insignificant events or problems deter you from your dreams! It is important to constantly remember why your doing this in the first place. Make a poster or note that you’ll see everyday that reminds you. It’s easy to get distracted.  Stay confident, keep reaching higher, and remain determined!

I regret not being able to give a detailed description of what to expect and how to save. Everyone’s experience will be different! Good luck with your journey, and keep researching on how to save and survive during the best years of your life!