College Being

It seems that kids in college have a knack for wasting Mom and Dad’s money (or blowing every cent of a student loan meant to last all semester in the first week of classes). And it’s no wonder, considering that many kids in college are away from home and responsible for themselves (and their finances) for the first time in their lives, often with no preparation for such a cataclysmic event.

So is it your fault you’re driven to spend wastefully? Probably not. On the other hand, if you’re made aware of the potential areas that you might overspend, you have every opportunity to put a stop to the waste and stay on track financially. Here are a few areas to keep an eye on.

1. Parties. Okay, so with no parental supervision, it can be tempting to ditch out on homework and attend some of the many mixers happening all over campus. But that doesn’t mean you have to provide chips and dip for everyone. Keep the parties to a minimum and bring a token offering rather than take-out for the whole crew.

2. Eating out. You have a cafeteria and a meal plan for a reason: to keep you from spending all your money on the outrageous expense of eating out. So keep your wallet and your waistline intact by eating meals on campus, getting snacks at the grocery store (more cost-efficient than the vending machine), or even eating at home if your parents are nearby. Click to continue reading…

2 Comments

Some college students know right away that they want to be a part of the Greek system on campus while others may be a bit more hesitant to join. There are certainly a lot of stereotypes attached to fraternities and sororities, some appealing and others not-so-flattering. But if you’re willing to take the rumors and media portrayals with a grain of salt, you can approach the prospect of pledging with an open mind and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are just a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to rush.

1. Obligations. Greek life will require some major commitments on your part. For one thing, you will likely have to devote several hours each week to house obligations such as gatherings, events, and charitable pursuits (not to mention “bouncing”…you’ll see). You will also be required to pay dues, the largest of which is the initiation fee, followed by payments each semester (on average, they can amount to several hundred dollars). If you simply don’t have the extra time or money, pledging may not be right for you.

2. Initiation. You’ve likely heard horror stories of hazing. Although campuses expressly prohibit any activities that could be harmful, dangerous, or illegal, it’s possible (even likely) that you will have to undergo something humiliating in order to join the brotherhood or sisterhood of your choice. When you think about it, it’s really no different than joining the military. Breaking people down and then building them up forms a strong bond of loyalty and understanding. Click to continue reading…

2 Comments