You don’t need an expensive computer – Unless your major specifies it, you don’t need an expensive computer for college. I bought a MacBook for about $1300 when I started college. Big waste of money. Despite the MacBook having a variety of features, I only used Safari, Word, PowerPoint, and maybe Excel to get my work done. Did I use the computer? Yes. Could I have completed the work with a cheaper laptop (that cost less than $500)? Yes. Don’t overspend on a laptop.
Selecting & enrolling for college courses – Colleges have college counselors that help students with class enrollments, but learning yourself will help you better understand the enrollment system and to advocate for yourself. It can be tedious, but you will find it beneficial. If you have already selected your major make sure you take all the requirements and any classes that give you credit or advancement onto your master degree/PHD/internships programs. Take time to research your major and what your college offers concerning your major – internships, programs, clubs, etc. Make your classes count, after all, you are paying for them.
Failing Classes – A “D” does not count as passing in college. If you fail a class, you have to retake it to graduate or to enter a master’s program/ or any program you are applying for. Retaking a class will cost you money and time. You will have to make time during the summer or during the school year to retake the class. If you retake it during the school year, the class will take up the space of another required class. If you are struggling in a class, seek help. Get tutoring, go to office hours, and create a group with your classmates. Try your best to pass the first time to avoid wasting time and money in retaking it. A friend confessed to me that he took statistics six times. Could you imagine how much time and money he wasted? A lot for one class.
Learn how financial aid works – One of the reasons 43 million people are in debt with student loans is that they did not do their due diligence. Ensure you understand your financial aid package. Research and talk to your school’s financial aid representatives to know how much is covered and how much you will have to pay out of pocket (you might need more loans). Calculate each year to know how much you need to cover. This will help you prepare financially for your next years in college. It’s easy to accept all the student loans that you are offered because you are not seeing your debt; but beware, you will have to start making payment towards these loans six months after you graduate. All the loans you are taking are accumulating. Scholarships and work-study are other alternatives to help you pay for college. Make it a goal to leave college debt-free or with as little debt.
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