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Heading out on your own for the first time at college opens up a world of opportunity, fun, and responsibility. How you balance these things will make all the difference for your future. You have to learn how to manage classes, finances, future goal planning, and social life, all without the usual support system of family and hometown friends. There’s no single plan for all male students that works 100% of the time, but these essential tips will help along the way.
1 – Use Student Discounts Everywhere
You might be surprised by what places offer student discounts: local shops, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and more. Keep your student ID handy and ask if they don’t advertise the discounts. Do some research online before choosing who to use for needed services. This can help you get everything from essentials to fun streaming services at lower prices, boosting your budget with the already huge education expense.
2 – Be Smart About Textbooks
One of the most significant expenses you may not have considered is textbooks. If you don’t make a plan, you could easily spend thousands of dollars on each year’s requirements. First, opt to rent college textbooks instead of buying them. Renting can save you significant money compared to purchasing new textbooks. There were times when it was possible to rent textbooks directly through Amazon, but since that program has been discontinued, numerous alternative sites now offer college textbook rentals. You can use Campusbooks.com to compare book rental prices across multiple platforms and find the best deals.
3 – Health and Exercise
This surviving college tip applies to everyone, but it is super important if you want to look and feel your best. Sign up for some intramural sports or use the free campus gym. Not only is this important for your health, but you can find some great, responsible friends at the same time. Even when you are super tired after a full day of classes, exercise can help keep energy levels higher overall. Make smart choices at the food hall and avoid take-out all the time. The ‘freshman fifteen’ is a problem for guys, too.
4 – Find Ways to Earn Some Money
When you’re done with the class and no longer need your books, sell your textbooks back through online websites. Use price comparison sites like DirectTextbook.com to see the best deals on used textbooks when a semester is about to start, and check buyback offers after you’re done with finals. This is just one way to make some extra spending cash or pad your savings account.
5 – Learn to Budget for Everything
Of course, you’ll have to spend money on food, going out, clothes, your vehicle, and other things as a college student. Start early with a smart budgeting app and pay attention to where your cash goes. If you split any expenses with roommates, get a written contract that details who pays what, when, and how. Life will always be full of unexpected costs. In college, this may be extra lab equipment for a class, dinners out if you meet someone to date, or a co-pay for a visit to the health center. Whether you live off student loans or your job income, put aside extra for surprises.
6 – Learn Basic Maintenance
Not only will you save money on hiring experts, but you will also gain an important skill for your whole life. Learn how to fix your bicycle, your car, and things around the dorm or apartment, like leaky faucets or simple electronics. Your roommates and buddies will love it if you can keep the video game console and coffeepot going. Changing tires, jump-starting someone else’s car, or unclogging a drain will make you a hero on campus. However, leave the tough stuff to the professionals. Knowing your limits is a sure sign of being a responsible adult.
7 – Stay Ready for Opportunities
As your college years go on, you should start to think about and plan for your future career. Networking opportunities, interviews, and meetings with academic advisors and school deans can help. Keep a neatly pressed and perfectly clean professional outfit at the back of your closet: a button-down shirt, dress pants, a tie, and a sports jacket. Remember a polished pair of lace-up shoes, too. Also, take the time to learn how to iron or use a steamer properly.
8 – Build the Perfect Morning and Nighttime Habits
To maximize energy and avoid missing important classes or events, create healthy and quick morning and nighttime routines. This is especially important in dorm rooms when other people may take over the showers, be too noisy late at night, or interrupt your schedule in other ways. Pick your clothes the night before so you’re never left with nothing before laundry day. Set multiple alarms if you need to, but try not to tick off your roommates with excess noise. Consider a white noise machine at night to block out busy dorm noise.
9 – Socialize Responsibly
Most college students spend time exploring their new freedom, but balancing the fun with forward-thinking is necessary if you want to survive college. Set limits for yourself and stick to them. Maybe you only go to parties on Friday and Saturday nights and dedicate the rest of the week to other, healthier activities.
Male students, in particular, have to stay in control of themselves to avoid difficult situations, both potentially violent and irresponsibly sexual. Focus on clubs and organizations rather than the heavy-drinking party scene.
Final Thoughts
These tips for young men heading off to college cover every aspect of a successful, happy life. No matter how good it feels to explore the freedom of being on your own for the first time, balancing the fun with responsibility is important. Think of your future, watch your budget, and organize your time wisely to maximize your college experience.
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