Off Campus Housing
Budgeting Tips
There is more to living on your own than paying the rent each month. In addition to rent and security deposits, your financial responsibilities for off-campus living usually involve utility expenses, groceries, and many other hidden costs. If these responsibilities are to be shared, organization and planning are extremely important.
"Hidden costs" include items such as brooms, mops, cleaning compounds, light bulbs, and many other items required for comfort and adequate housekeeping. When purchased separately, these items may not cost much, but collectively they can require a considerable outlay of money.
The "kitty" is one method used by student tenants to handle these extras. At the beginning of the month, each member of the group contributes a share of the rent, utilities, supplies, and other housekeeping costs. If meals are to be shared in common, groceries are also included. One person then assumes responsibility for paying the bills. To ensure safety and proper accounting, these funds should be handled through a checking account.
While no one set of rules fits everyone's financial situation, a few general guidelines can help place your income and liabilities in perspective. In setting guidelines for your personal finances, you might do well to list, at least in rough form, your anticipated income and expenses for the entire year. In this way, you can get an overview of your budget situation and use it as the basis for more refined monthly or quarterly accounting.
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Make a grocery list in advance to eliminate costly "impulse buying."
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Eat before you shop. If you are hungry, you will probably end up buying more.
Try supermarket and generic brands. These items are often identical to products sold under name brand labels.
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"Convenience" foods cost more, but are often on sale. Look at store ads and stock up on items you know you'll use.
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Buy in large quantities and take advantage of sales.
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No one can ignore the fact that the price of all types of energy is increasing. Tenants and their landlords can do a great deal to conserve energy in apartments and reduce costs. The suggestions listed below can help you conserve energy and save money too.
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When the heat or air conditioning is on, close doors to rooms not in use.
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Be thoughtful when using the air conditioning unit: don't put it on "auto" when you leave for the day. Rather, turn it on manual when you come home, and after it is at a comfortable range (75 - 78°F), place it on auto as long as you remain in the apartment.
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Keep shades closed when you leave for the day so that your apartment will stay cooler.
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Turn off unnecessary lights.
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Boil water in closed pots and pans because the time for boiling is decreased, as compared to boiling water in open pots and pans.
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Don't keep the refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 38 to 40 degrees for refrigerators, 5 degrees for the freezer section.
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Dishwasher energy use can be reduced from 30% to 50% if you turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and let the dishes air dry.
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Defrost the refrigerator regularly. Heavy frost build-up can reduce the efficiency of refrigerators and freezers.
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Use a microwave whenever possible. It requires less energy and time.
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Wash clothes in warm or cold water, rinse in cold.
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Keep lint screen in the dryer clean, or better yet, hang clothes up to dry.
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When cooking with electricity, try to turn off burners a few minutes before the allotted cooking time.
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Follow these tips and you will keep your water bill down, as well as contribute positively to the environment. Remember, Southern California is basically a desert. |
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Take shorter showers.
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Do not use the toilet as a trash can or as an ash tray.
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Use a glass of water while you brush your teeth, and don't let the water run.
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Use a pan of water to wash your dishes and a pan of water to rinse, rather than letting the water run.
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Use a pail of water to wash you car and then rinse with the hose.
For more information, call Irvine Ranch Water District at (949) 453-5300.
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Other Frugal Hints
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Be aware of peer pressure when it comes to spending money on entertainment, etc. Don't feel bad if you cannot go because you can't afford it. At the same time, don't hassle somebody when they can't afford to do something.
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Be on the lookout for student discounts and use them while you can. These are available on buses, at movies or museums, and some stores. Take advantage of UC Items discounts on amusement park and movie tickets.
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Always try to purchase USED books if you can, or ask around and borrow them from somebody who has already taken the class.
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Don't keep a lot of cash on hand - you'll spend it.
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Walk to UCI or ride the OCTA bus for free by activating the UPASS on your student ID card (Activate at UC Items or Parking and Transportation Services.) Not only will you save having to buy a parking permit, but you'll save on gas and maintenance, too.
RECYCLING:
The city of Irvine provides curbside pickup of aluminum, plastic, glass, and paper materials. For more information, telephone (949)857-1170. If you live elsewhere, check with the city authorities or take your recyclable contributions to the Recycling Center at Orange Coast College, (714) 432-5131.
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