You should keep a budget notebook and write down what you spend. Listing expenses by categories gives you an accurate picture of how you spend your money. For example, you might separate direct and indirect education expenses. Indirect expenses include transportation, room and board, medical, and personal expenses, while direct expenses are tuition, fees, books, and supplies. In a broad category such as personal expenses, it is easy to lose track of exact expenditures, so break down this category further into clothing, recreation, personal items, and household expenses.
Housing Try to find roommates to share the rent.
If you plan to live on campus, choose lower-cost accommodations. Married students or single parents should consider living in university-owned family housing. Use the Off-Campus Student Services Office to locate a room or apartment and a roommate. Grocery Shopping Determine a food budget and make menu plans. Stick to both.