Colleges in Central Oregon
Most of us in Central Oregon are very excited about Oregon State University Cascades and what it will bring for our region. As it grows and adds degrees and programs, and the relevance to our economy and culture expands, it is becoming more attractive as a destination college.
COCC continues to be the prime education resource for youth and adults alike, and provides choices and flexibility. Regardless of whether our youth choose one of our local options or find their post-secondary education out of the area, paying for it can be difficult.
Going to School Out of the Area
If you are out or soon getting out of high school, and you choose to leave Central Oregon, going off to college is an exciting time! Your world is about to open wide, providing you with new opportunities to expand your mind, meet new people, and begin the groundwork for your career (or figure it out). One very important skill you’ll need is learning how to save while living on your own. The easy first step is finding out what you don’t need to buy.
Six Ways to Save in College
• A printer. They take up too much space, and the cost of ink and paper can add up. Check with your college to see if they have a printer allowance (usually included in the school’s technology fee), giving you access to the school’s printers. Also, many professors prefer that you turn in your papers electronically through the school’s educational portal (e.g., Blackboard or Moodle.)
• Computer software. Most schools have special arrangements with Microsoft to provide the Office Student to their students for free. For virus software, if you have cable at home, virus software is usually available to download through the cable provider.
• Toilet papers and bathroom cleaning supplies. If you’re living in a dorm, you won’t need these products. But if you’re living in a suite style dorm with its own bathroom, check with the school to see if room and board fees include janitorial services.
• Television. First of all, with classes, homework, and studying, you’ll have very little free time to watch TV. Second, your laptop will be able to stream most of your favorite shows. Third, most colleges have TVs in common rooms.
• Ironing board and iron. They take up too much space and you’ll likely use it…maybe never. If wrinkled clothes really bother you, get a small steamer instead.
• A car. You’re going to spend most of your time on campus, so there’s little reason to pay for monthly loan payments, parking fees, gas, and insurance. Use public transportation or a bike to get to places too far to walk.
Another way to save is to keep track of small expenses, like eating out or buying cigarettes. Those expenses add up over time. For instance, just buying a Starbucks latte (around $4.00) every day means you’ll spend $300 on coffee in one semester! Make a budget and do your best to stick to it. It’ll make saving money much easier and make living on your own a little less stressful.
Mid Oregon Accounts Might Help You Save Money
If you move out of Central Oregon, you might be tempted to think you need a financial institution in the area. But think carefully before you make a change. If you have a Mid Oregon account, you can’t save any more money than our “Simply Free Checking”, with no monthly service charge or minimum balance requirement. Many financial institutions promise free checking while in college or until age 23 or so, but after they convert to a fee-based, or high qualifier option.
Mid Oregon has 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs in our network, and our Mobile App can provide all the access and convenience you need. Together with our free debit cards, you will continue to access your money, check balances and more at no cost to you. We can be part of a successful college journey, and be there for you when you enter the next stage of your exciting life!
