Budget tips: How not to become a "poor college kid."

"I'm poor, I'm starving, I'm flat broke, I've got no cash to spend. Sell all my books for front row tickets to Dave Matthews Band..." Can you relate to this situation that Relient K sings about in their song "College Kids"? Well, you're not alone. Many new college students need help managing their budgets. Below are a few tips so you don't end up being a "poor college kid." First, consider your meal plan. Do you really need the number of meals you have? "I could probably get by with the 10 [meal plan], actually," said freshman Mitch Kaschuh, who is currently on the 14 meal plan. Although saving $25-$40 per semester on a meal plan may not seem like much, it adds up to saving $200-$320 at the end of four years. Another expense to think about is parking. While it's nice to have a car, it's also costly. Residence hall parking is $104 per semester. Add gas and you're well on your way to bankruptcy. Instead, bring a bike or ride the bus, which is free, and can take you downtown or to the mall. In addition to the obvious expenses, there are more hidden expenses to think about, such as those that come with owning credit cards. Debit cards work just as well as credit cards, and ATMs are located around the campus. Also, having to take time to write out checks may make you think more about how much you're spending. Finally, keep track of your expenses. Write down how much you spend, and at the end of each week, review your expenses. Do you really need that mocha latte every morning? Can you save money by doing laundry with your roommate? Consider cutting several expenses. However, do leave some money just for fun. Saving money is great, but you still want to have a life.

Miranda Helbling, UW-L Freshman