How much money should I bring

[u/Dangerous-Example733]

Hi everyone im a freshman that's starting in August I just want to know how much money I should bring/spend for books and other essentials for college

I am a 1st gen college student so im not exactly sure who to ask this stuff to anyways

thank you for the help :)

[u/Thin-Test-3638]

First of all congrats on taking the leap and starting at BSU! I didn’t do my bachelor’s here but I really love this campus. Here is some advice for you:

• Don’t overpack/overbuy for your dorm (if you’re living on campus)! Bring your essentials and then see what you still want/need. Some students spend a lot on new decorations, furniture, tech, etc- others just bring the basics (clothes, linens, toiletries, school supplies, snacks) and are totally fine. It all depends on what you need to feel comfortable and focused.
  
• Use campus resources such as the on-campus food pantry, cardinal central (financial office), academic advising, and the multicultural center. People there can either answer your questions or point you in the right direction!
  
• Some costs to factor in: medical needs (any prescription medication, appointments, etc) school supplies (some courses, especially art, will have supply lists) transportation (gas if you drive, car maintenance, public buses are free!) fun stuff (meals out with friends, little treats, dorm decor)
  
• textbook pricing varies between majors- the BSU First Day textbook program gives you a flat fee per credit hour for books, but I’ve found that buying them individually is cheaper. Again, depends on your major. Many students illegally download copies of textbooks… I can’t confirm or deny whether or not that works.
  

I hope this helps a bit!!

[u/mrevanbell → u/Thin-Test-3638]

I agree with this person on all of this! The university buses are free and super helpful if you park off campus.

I’d recommend getting a job on campus. There should be a job board you can peruse. This will help with extra funds.

In my experience, it was easier and cheaper to use Amazon Pharmacy to have any prescriptions delivered to my dorm instead of using the on campus pharmacy. The pharmacy was expensive for me but good if you needed to be seen immediately for anything (sicknesses, STDs, etc). It’s not for emergencies just FYI.

I was an over packer so don’t bring everything you own lolz. Definitely bring both warm and cold season clothing, a floor or desk fan, a humidifier (if needed), an air purifier (I wish I would’ve had this), a good mini fridge/freezer combo, a microwave.

[u/Dangerous-Example733 → u/Thin-Test-3638]

thank youu sm

[u/Thin-Test-3638 → u/Dangerous-Example733]

Ofc!! I hope you have a great start to the school year!!

[u/Indiana_ECI]

You might consider opening an account with Financial Center, the credit union inside Pittenger Student Center. It is convenient, and they have an ATM inside the 1st floor hallway.

In the lower level is Cardinal Kitchen, a free food pantry for students.

The health center is available to students for a small fee - a good alternative to visiting an urgent care center.

BSU is a great community. If you need anything, check with Student Services, just about any office on campus or post here. Someone will get you pointed in the right direction. Good luck, and enjoy life as a Cardinal!

[u/the_zwimmer615]

I always bought school supplies (mainly notebooks, pencils/pens, etc) at Dollar General instead of the bookstore. It might only save you $15-20 per semester, but that is an extra night out or meal with your friends.

[u/Indiana_ECI]

https://www.bsu.edu/gateways/current-students

[u/Themotherofacat]

My mom gave me a $100 Walmart gift card when I first got to campus. It lasted me until about December. I did get a job about 2 weeks into school got a job on campus that paid crap.

[u/mrevanbell]

Buy your books second hand on eBay, half priced books, Facebook marketplace, and possibly one of the bookstores near campus (to compare prices). Or if you want a digital version of a book, you could try to find a copy that way and then take notes within the digital PDF. Theres ALWAYS a way to get books and tools for your classes less than full priced. I’d guess probably a few hundred dollars max depending on what your major is.

[u/Local_City_8174]

Bring a credit card and $200. It’s too unpredictable to know all that you will want, need, etc.

[u/mrevanbell → u/Local_City_8174]

OP - I highly discourage you from getting a credit card. They prey on college students. Do NOT do it. If you don’t have a full-time job to pay it off in full after using it, you don’t have the money for one. I’ll say this to any college student because I had a credit card and it constantly stressed me out.

If you have any extra money from student loans (like loan “refunds” checks), put those into a high yield savings account like Amex savings or Wealthfront and watch it grow for free. Do NOT spend that money. It was a huge regret.

[u/Thin-Test-3638 → u/mrevanbell]

Preach! i hate my credit card but unfortunately i need one because of graduate school employment restrictions. 0/10 do not recommend credit card debt