Managing your finances is an important part of your academic success. Worries about money will take time and attention away from your studies and participation in university life. Consider these tips to manage your finances effectively.
Be sure the budget includes your cash inflow (scholarships, gifts, wages) and outflows (university fees, books, personal expenditures, etc.). Be sure to update it regularly. After registering for classes, use the SJSU Bookstore Web site to find the cost of your books so you can include that in your budget too. If you don’t have enough funds to cover your expenses, ask yourself what expenditures you can eliminate and look into financial aid, student loans, assistance from relatives, and/or part-time employment.
You need money to buy books, supplies and food. Financial aid checks may not arrive early enough, so it is a good idea to have about $400 minimum in a bank account should you need it.
Look for low-cost options. Use your Tower Card to obtain free public transportation and low-cost health services. Ask vendors if they offer student discounts.
Visit the Financial Aid web site to see if there are grants, scholarships or loans available to you. Apply for scholarships—many have few applicants.
Many college students get themselves into debt because of easy-to-get credit cards. Consider having one with a very small credit limit for emergencies—but just emergencies.
SJSU offers workshops on money management, obtaining financial aid, and finding part-time employment.
Think BEFORE you spend!
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