It is a
very good idea to draw up a budget plan before you start.
This will give yourself some
idea on what you need to do manage your finances. Here are
some of the costs you will need to consider in your budget
plan: Cost of living and academic tuition fees.
Estimating
your
tuition fees for undergraduate students
Click
here... |
Cost of Living
Accommodation
I
you are planning to live away from home while studying
in a university, accommodation will be a major part
of your expenditure.
At most universities you have the option for a well
appointed residence halls or dormitories. You will also
find there
is a wide range of rented accommodation available
in major cities
and towns where your chosen school is located. These
locations are available for you to live alone
or with other students.
Most universities have accommodation offices that will
help you with locating suitable living quarters and provide
useful
advise and information.
Travel
Many
universities are located in well-travelled routes of
rail and road. Tickets for trains and commercial buses
are readily available and
some
commuter vehicles are also accessible for use.
When studying
in a major metropolitan area, the most economical
way to travel is to buy a season ticket allowing unlimited
travel
on
buses, trains and sometimes, the subways. Fares vary
according to
the zones through which you intend to travel. Most
city guide websites include information on where to procure
such tickets and their pricing. Student discounts are always
readily available.
Books,
Field Trips & Equipment
All courses
have related costs such as textbooks, special equipment,
and photocopying will also need to be incorporated
into your
budget. Textbooks will vary according to your chosen
course, but your Course Director will be able to give
you an idea
of what your needs are likely to be. Do not rush out
and buy the
whole reading list right away! You may be able to buy
second-hand used books from other students or share
with other course
members. Some libraries also sell used books at very
reasonable rates.
Some courses may include essential
field or residential study trips in the state or overseas
for which there will
almost always
be travel and accommodation charges. Your Course
Director should be able to provide you an idea of how
much you
will need to
budget for before you finalise your decision.
Living
Most
importantly – you will need to budget for everyday
things like food, utility bills, clothing, and
other personal expenses while studying. These can also include
leisure and
entertainment expenses.
Study Online
Another way to reduce cost is to study online. There are many places to get online degrees and they tend to cost less than campus based courses. And you save time and money by being able to study from the comfort of your own home. But you must be self-driven to study online!
(For post-graduate students please refer to
a separate section of the site made specifically for your needs.
Go there.) |
