01 Jun Transitioning from High School to College: Financial Checklist for the Summer

The journey from high school to college is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of anxiety. It’s a pivotal time not just academically but financially as well. At Accolade Financial, we understand the challenges and opportunities this transition presents. To help students and their families navigate this critical period, we’ve compiled a comprehensive financial checklist for the summer before college begins.

Understand Your Financial Aid Package

Before you set foot on campus, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your financial aid package.

• Review Your Aid Offer: Ensure you know the difference between grants (which don’t need to be repaid) and loans (which do).
• Accept Your Aid: Log into your college’s financial aid portal to accept your offer, keeping in mind that you don’t have to accept all the loans if you don’t need them.
• Plan for Remaining Costs: After aid, determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be for tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses.

Set Up a College Checking Account

Having a checking account dedicated to college expenses can help you manage your finances more effectively.

• Look for Student Accounts: Many banks offer checking accounts for students with low fees and beneficial features.
• Understand the Fees: Be aware of any potential fees for maintenance, overdrafts, and using non-network ATMs.

Budget for the First Semester

Creating a budget is crucial for financial success in college.

• List Expected Expenses: Include tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Track Your Spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses and adjust as needed.

Summer Savings Strategies

The summer before college is an ideal time to bolster your savings. Here’s how:

• Part-time Job: Consider securing a part-time job if you don’t already have one. It’s a practical way to save money and perhaps gain valuable experience.
• Save a Portion of Graduation Gifts: Graduation gifts can sometimes include cash. Make a plan to save a significant portion of these funds for college expenses.
• Budget Cuts: Evaluate your current spending and identify areas where you can cut back to save more for college.

Understanding Your Student Loans

If student loans are part of your financial aid package, it’s critical to understand the details before you step onto campus.

• Know Your Lenders: Whether federal or private, know who your lenders are and how to contact them.
• Understand Repayment Terms: Familiarize yourself with interest rates, the grace period after graduation, and when repayment starts.
• Consider Loan Counseling: Many schools offer entrance counseling for students taking out loans, which can provide valuable information on managing debt responsibly.

Plan for Textbooks and Supplies

The cost of textbooks and supplies can catch many students by surprise. Here are strategies to manage these expenses:

• Research Early: Once you have your course schedule, start looking for required textbooks and materials.
• Consider Used or Digital: Buying used books or digital versions can offer significant savings over new, retail-priced textbooks.
• Rent When Possible: Textbook rentals are an excellent way to reduce costs, especially for books you don’t intend to keep.

Seek Guidance When Needed

The financial transition from high school to college can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Accolade Financial, we specialize in helping students and families prepare for college financially. From understanding your financial aid package to creating a budget that works for you, our experts are here to provide personalized advice and support.

Preparing for college is an exciting time, and with the right financial planning, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, the habits you form now will help lay the groundwork for your financial independence in the future.

If you’re looking for assistance in planning for your college finances or have any questions about the steps outlined in this guide, contact us at Accolade Financial. Let’s make your transition to college as smooth and financially secure as possible.