College Planning

Your college experience – Start on the right foot!
Starting college can be an exciting new venture, but it also comes with plenty of planning and worrying. How will you afford books and food? Will you be able to find your way around campus? What if you don’t get along with your roommate? The best way to handle any new situation is to be as prepared as possible, and college is no exception. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Start planning your budget now. Your scholarships and loans may not cover expenses such as books or lab supplies, and you’ll also want to plan ahead for late-night pizza or coffee with friends. If you’re not sure how to create a budget, WPCU can help. We’ve partnered with GreenPath Debt Solutions to offer our members budget advice, debt solutions, and other financial advice to help you sort out your finances. To set up an appointment, call (888) 893-2713. WPCU also offers free BudgetSmart software to help you plan for expenses. Download your copy of the software here.

Cover your costs. If you need help paying for college expenses and have already applied for scholarships and loans, your credit union can help. Wright-Patt’s Student Choice Loan has no origination fees, flexible repayment terms, and low interest rates to help you achieve your college goals without emptying your wallet. For more information visit www.wpcu.studentchoice.org.

Get out and mingle. Once you arrive on campus, take part in as many welcome activities as you can. Campus events are a great way to meet new friends and become familiar with different locations on campus. You may also find organizations to join. As an added budget bonus, most of these events are free!

Strike a balance. Remember that while college is a great opportunity to socialize and experience new things, the primary purpose is to get an education. In addition to balancing your expenses, you’ll want to balance your time. Keep track of assignment due dates and tests in a planner. If you fear you’re falling behind, don’t be afraid to ask for help – meet with your professors and advisors to stay on the right track.

With a little planning college life can be a manageable and fun experience. If you take advantage of the resources available to you, you’ll be able to enjoy a whole new chapter of your life!

WPCU’s new young adult website has loads of advice and tools for students of all ages. Visit www.respectyourmoney.com to find tips on managing your money, cooking in your dorm room, financial aid, resume writing and more!