As the fall semester of college draws near, excitement for this new chapter is building for first-time college students everywhere. It is also an important time to address some financial aspects to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you are a parent or a student, out-of-pocket college expenses (in excess of the published “Cost of Attendance” on school websites) can accumulate rapidly. Here are some costs to keep in mind.

1. Travel & Transportation
As an out-of-state student at the University of Oregon, travel expenses were a significant factor that my family had to include in the overall cost. If the ideal school is far from home, be sure to account for the cost of traveling home during holidays and breaks, as well as trips during the settling-in period. Traveling to and from school my first year ran our family around $1,300, not counting my parents’ trip to Oregon for Family Weekend. Additionally, if public transportation is not an option, consider expenses for car services and taxis to help navigate the local area. These costs can vary dramatically based on location and lifestyle but a recent article by Bankrate suggests budgeting $1,000 to $2,000 per year for travel expenses.

2. Dorm Supplies
In addition to transportation costs, dorm supplies can quickly become a costly necessity. While dorms typically come with basic furniture like a bed, dresser, and desk, families are often surprised by the expenses of additional accessories and tools needed for the living space. For me, adding storage to a small space was crucial for fitting all my belongings from home, and the cost of storage bins and drawers quickly added up. The cost of dorm decorating can vary significantly depending on whether you adopt a minimalist or maximalist approach. By the end of the summer, the total expense for my dorm decor and necessities approached $1,500. However, this cost can be reduced by purchasing thrifted and second-hand items and adhering to a strict shopping list. Regardless, these expenses, whether for essential items or decorative purposes, can add up.

3. Social Clubs & Organizations
A key aspect of college life, beyond earning a degree, is getting to know yourself and others. Students often engage in this through organized academic clubs, sports, and Greek life. Retreats, leadership conferences, dances, and other social events often come with membership dues and additional costs. My sorority dues amounted to nearly $2,000 my freshman year, which included a $500 deposit for living in the house this year, and a few one-time administrative fees. For me, joining a sorority with like-minded friends has made my time at the University of Oregon much more fulfilling, an expense that while justified, must still be considered.

4. Dining Out & Entertainment
Exploring a new city or surrounding area is a fundamental part of the college experience. However, dining and entertainment expenses can quickly add up. It’s important to establish a budget with your student, setting expectations and limits to avoid excessive spending. While dining hall food on certain campuses may not always be appealing, and food delivery services like GrubHub and UberEats are convenient, relying on them frequently can become a costly habit. Luckily, my dining hall package at Oregon provided ample, high-quality food choices to help keep eating out to a minimum. Free or low-cost events hosted by the University, sororities and fraternities, dorms, and different clubs helped keep my entertainment expenses in check. However, the Education Data Initiative estimates students spend $410 per month eating out. Entertainment can add another $100 or so per month.

By thoroughly understanding and preparing for these additional out-of-pocket expenses, whether for travel, dorm supplies, extracurricular activities, or everyday living costs, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more enjoyable college experience. Using resources like current students, school parent Facebook pages, and other resources can help you better understand reasonable estimates for each of these costs.

Before a student heads off to college, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion about financial responsibilities. This conversation should clarify how much the parents are willing to contribute and what portion the student is expected to cover through summer jobs or part-time work during the school year. Having a clear understanding of what the budget is for various items and who is responsible for them will reduce stress and uncertainty and improve family harmony.

By Logan Jackson, Summer Intern 2024