Money in your first year

About this course

Syllabus

• 6 lessons3 to 3 min each
• 25 steps to trySpread across the lessons
• About 18 min in allAt an easy reading pace

• 5.1A spending plan for one termAdd up what arrives and what leaves over one term, then turn it into a weekly amount you can follow.3 min
  • Start with the money coming in
  • Sort the costs into three groups
  • Turn the totals into a weekly amount
  • Check in once a week

  Read lesson 5.1
• 5.2Opening a bank account as a studentPick an account that fits a student budget, bring the right documents and ask about fees before you sign.3 min
  • Checking and savings do different jobs
  • What to bring when you open one
  • Fees worth asking about
  • Your school and your account

  Read lesson 5.2
• 5.3When your school sends you a refundLearn why a school sends money back to you, how much of it may be borrowed and how to make it last.3 min
  • Where a refund comes from
  • Much of a refund may be borrowed
  • A plan for the money you keep
  • Refunds and taxes

  Read lesson 5.3
• 5.4Course materials for lessConfirm what each class requires, then compare renting, used copies, the library and open textbooks.3 min
  • Find out what each class needs
  • Ways to pay less for books
  • Access codes and automatic billing
  • After the term ends

  Read lesson 5.4
• 5.5Your first credit cardHow a card works, what the law asks of applicants under 21 and the habits that build a credit history.3 min
  • How a card works
  • Applying when you are under 21
  • Habits that build a good record
  • Offers on and around campus

  Read lesson 5.5
• 5.6Short on money in the middle of a termWhere to turn when money runs short before the term ends, and the order to try each option in.3 min
  • Ask your school first
  • Help with food, housing and bills
  • Choices that can deepen a gap
  • Your next step this week

  Read lesson 5.6

What the course covers