<p>I'm a student, not a parent, but I've been having this discussion with my parents recently as to what they expect they can contribute. I'm trying to build a case for the amount they can contribute (since they can't seem to come up with a figure) towards my college.</p>
<p>I was just wondering, what things do you save money on with your child being away at college?</p>
<p>My electricity bill has gone way down.</p>
<p>Grocery costs are down.</p>
<p>Water bill went way, way down. Also groceries, electric and gas for the car.</p>
<p>Monthly bills for things like dance class, music classes, athletics, etc.</p>
<p>Cost of gas to drive kids or for them to drive themselves! Also, our automobile insurance has gone way down. (All three of our kids are on foot at college.)</p>
<p>Good point re: auto insurance. We call and exclude our son from our policy when he's at school (and call and add him back in when he's home for holidays). BIG savings on the car insurance.</p>
<p>Also incidentals-- we used to provide an allowance, and paid for occasional other expenses. Not now-- he works and covers his own incidentals.</p>