Some great tips. Here are few more, maybe repetitive:
- Don’t worry about clothes much. Stuff from the thrift shop is fine; if anybody asks, say “It’s vintage.”
- Assuming you will have a meal plan, eat the meals, especially breakfast. This will make it less likely that you will need to spend money on snacks.
- Do free stuff–lots of this on campus. On the other hand, avoid activities in which the students are expected to provide their own expensive stuff (i.e., there might be a skiing club, with members who have their own gear).
- Be honest with your new friends and roommates about what you can and can’t afford. Most people will be thoughtful about not suggesting activities that you can’t afford to do–as long as they know about your situation.
- Don’t buy coffee. Drink free coffee in the dining hall, or wherever else you can get it. Fancy coffee drinks will siphon away your money really fast. Also, don’t smoke.
- I agree with those who say you should try to find ways to have at least a little spending cash. You don’t want to be the person who can never go out for pizza. But try not to borrow money from other students.