College is the time when many people branch out into the world on their own, experiencing complete independence and responsibility for the first time. Smartly managing your finances can be one of the most difficult responsibilities to master, and the sheer cost of college expenses can make it even more troublesome.

With some planning and strategy, some of these costs can be minimized, allowing you to control your expenses and budget.

Here are six of the most common expenses you’ll need to manage as a college student:

1: Tuition and Fees

Tuition is a major expense. In-state public colleges are cheaper than out-of-state ones. Scholarships and student loans can help. Fees include application, new student, housing, and orientation fees. These fees vary by institution.

2: Room and Board

Housing is another significant expense. Colleges commonly require freshmen to live on campus for at least one year, if not more, unless they have a valid exemption.

Off-campus housing includes rent, furnishings, and deposits. Factor in the cost of meal plans for on-campus dining or stocking your fridge if off-campus. Make sure you have a plan for bringing or purchasing bedding (including pillows, sheets, blankets, and a mattress cover).

Bringing items you already own can reduce costs. Clothing should include outfits for every season and occasion. You may need formal outfits for obligations like professional internships, work-study shifts, and club or Greek life events. Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other items you may need will be a recurring expense. You may also want an organizer for them if you’re sharing bathroom space.

3: Books and Supplies

Books and supplies include a backpack (if you treat it well, it can last for years!), a calculator, textbooks, and any notebooks, folders, and writing implements. A calculator with advanced functions is recommended if you take any math, science, or engineering classes, even if they’re just to meet your general education requirements.

Textbooks will need to be purchased for every class each semester, with the yearly average running around $1,300. Buying from secondhand or online shops (or renting your textbooks) can help save on costs. Notebooks, folders, and writing utensils will likely be purchased each semester, but their costs are low.

4: Electronic Equipment and Software

You will need a personal computer to complete papers, research, and online exams. While your campus will have some computers for student use, such as in the library, they won’t always be available when you need them. Your college may offer printing services, but it often costs several cents per page. Throughout your college career, owning a printer is more cost-efficient.

You should also consider the cost of subscriptions, software, or online service fees. This includes your cell phone bill. The latest Microsoft Office products run around $100 per year, though there may be a discount for students. Specific programs or online educational resources may be required for some classes or majors, such as design or editing software for those in the arts.

5: Transportation

Bus, taxi, or ride-sharing fares will be your main transportation expenses if your college doesn’t allow first-year students to have their vehicles or isn’t vehicle-friendly at all. Utilizing on-campus resources and shops and getting rides from friends can cut down on transportation costs. Parking, insurance, gas, and maintenance will be your main expenses if you do have a vehicle.

6: School Activity Fees and Entertainment Costs

School activity fees like sorority or fraternity dues, club membership dues, or extra-credit events (like attending an art exhibit) should be accounted for, too. Allow at least $100 per semester for extra-credit events, and calculate organizational dues based on your desired memberships. Personal activities and entertainment like movies, concerts, bowling, and nights out with friends should be planned for, too, because you deserve to have fun during your college years!

So many expenses associated with college are variable based on your situation, the institution, and the region. When you start receiving acceptance letters, ask for a fee schedule from each college before enrolling, so you can account for them. Consider establishing an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs during college, like medical bills.

To create an effective budget for college, you’ll need to consider every possible expense. Even if it seems intimidating, remember that there are ways to afford your collegiate dreams — from working part-time to seeking financial aid to shopping sales — and your financial institution can help you create a viable financial plan.

Looking to open a bank account before heading off to school? Visit First Bank to find your nearest branch. With new branches, markets, products, and technology all under consideration, First Bank is equipped to help you reach your financial goals.