<p>I mostly agree with this article. I would like to touch on a few of them:</p>
<p>A high-end laptop or desktop computer - At my University, you don’t need a laptop or computer at all. It is a complete luxury. Most professors don’t allow use of laptops in the classroom. There are computer labs with advanced computers for people who are doing high tech things. It’s usually pretty empty because people are using their own computer. Why would you want to pay extra $200+ for a software when you can get it free at the computer lab? I realize this is not the same with all schools, but check with your school for. </p>
<p>A printer - If you want a printer because you don’t want to walk in bad weather, that is convenience. Convenience is luxury. My University has lots of printing stations so I never needed a printer. In my University all undergrads gets 500 pages of printing, and grad students get 900. There is no reimbursement so if you don’t use it, it goes to waste. </p>
<p>A pricey smart-phone plan - Getting a unlocked Nexus 4 (about $350) and using TMobile’s flat $30 smart phone plan is cheaper than buying a iPhone and paying all those high fees. Nexus 4 is a good phone and can compete with Samsung Galaxy. If you’re truly trying to cut down costs, a smartphone really is not a necessity. </p>
<p>Cable TV - I have gotten it for free at the places I lived but it really is not a necessity. I am very involved on campus and as a result I barely watch TV. Now a days you can watch your shows or movies online for cheaper. The dorms at my university provide it for free. There are also many big screen TVs on campus that students can watch.</p>
<p>Campus health insurance - That depends on the person. If you are covered under your parents, you don’t need it. The health insurance at my University doesn’t cover anything, so I would never get it. Plus, I am covered under my parents insurance.</p>
<p>Private loans - You should always do your best to avoid loans. I am sure you don’t want to be in debt forever. I know everyone has a different situation by private loans should be the absolute last solution. Those interest rates really do add up.</p>
<p>A car - If you live on campus, a car is a luxury not necessity. At my University dorms are very expensive and being a commuter is cheaper. It depends on the school and its location. If you live on campus and trying to cut down on cost, you really have to consider selling your car.</p>
<p>A credit card - It is really easy to abuse a credit card. College students don’t always make the right choice. A credit card is not a necessity. You can always get it later in life. I know a lot of people who didn’t have a credit card in college and they’re doing fine.</p>
<p>For the record, I don’t think parents should pay for things like cell phone plans. Your kid is an adult and they should pay their own cell phone plan. If they don’t have a job but are looking for one (I understand, bad economy), don’t get them a pricey cell phone plans. If your kid wants one, he/she can get one once he/she has a job.</p>