Money lessons from the trenches

University of Washington resident advisers share what they've learned about budgeting and offer tips for incoming freshmen. Comments have been edited for space and grammar.

Lindsey Cooper, senior, Anacortes

My first few weeks of college, I honestly considered dropping out. Not only was I overwhelmed with the academic load and all of the life changes, but I realized for the first time that maybe I couldn't pay for college, even with all of my scholarships. Dropping $300 a quarter on books isn't out of the ordinary.

Plus, lots of courses require course packs (usually under $20), studio/lab fees (anywhere from $8-$60) and lab coats and goggles.

I pay for my expenses as much as I can. My mother and I split everything about 50-50 my freshman year. Sophomore year, I paid for everything, which really depleted my bank accounts, even though I was working two jobs.

Expecting to spend about $20 a week is pretty average, I'd say (especially for a freshman; that budget increases once a student turns 21!). Movies cost about $10, bubble tea costs about $6, going out to dinner can easily cost $20. Pretty much everything a person does off-campus is going to come out of his or her pocket.

Learning how to cut back on expenses is a must. Don't order a drink (even nonalcoholic!) with dinner. Instead of going to the movies, rent a DVD from the library — it's free!

Spending money on clothing is my best friend and worst enemy. Even though I only bargain-shop, I still feel guilty. But many freshmen end the year wearing nothing they wore before college. Lots get completely new wardrobes to go with their completely new lives.

M'Liss DeWald, senior, Hoquiam

I had a car here my sophomore year, and it was very expensive. A parking permit at the time was $200 per quarter (now $250). Although it came in handy for weekend trips home and shopping at Target and Costco, I rarely used it, and it wasn't worth paying $600 a year to park. With convenient bus routes, cars aren't necessary to get around Seattle.

My phone bill is higher than most students', because I use my cellphone way too much. But it's difficult to not use your cellphone, mainly because everyone comes from different area codes, making local calls from land lines difficult.

Most of my expenses have been covered through savings and grants. However, I have had to ask my parents for help, mainly just at the end of quarters. And my mom has surprised me with groceries, etc.

I really never budgeted my money. I just keep track of how much money I have and then decide if I can go out or if I should stay in.

Christine Van Loan, recent graduate, Bainbridge Island

I was already on a budget in high school, so I was used to planning for entertainment/going out with friends and buying clothes.

I didn't eat out much since I had a meal plan, and I found The Ave in the University District can be pretty inexpensive, because you get a lot of food for a great price and eat on it for a few meals.

My parents paid for all my expenses since I was an RA, and my room and board was covered. We talked about it in advance a little. They wanted me to be involved on-campus and have a full college experience, so they didn't pressure me to get a job outside being an RA. I would definitely recommend looking for an on-campus job or leadership position. These jobs pay well and keep you connected to campus.

My budget was about $250 a quarter. I stuck to it by keeping track of my spending. I love to shop, but I learned to curb my impulse buying by never buying something the first time I saw it.

I did get a little off budget because of shoe shopping now and again, but when that happened I just made sure I didn't eat out or go to the movies until I was back on budget. I really didn't go to theaters much during college because it is so expensive.

There were quarters where I needed an extra $50 or so [from my parents], but I was pretty good about sticking to the budget.