The stereotype of the starving college student is alive and well, despite the fact that most students arrive on campus with iPods, cellphones, and laptops, just for starters. Nonetheless, when your primary “job” is going to school, you generally encounter financial pressures. Questions swirling around include:

What kind of computer should you buy?
Do you need a car?
Does it cost less to live off campus?
Can you afford to study abroad?
How do you handle friends begging you to join them for dinner—or spring break?
What if a roommate or friend has an addiction like gambling?

Some students may be struggling with day care or lack of family support. And as you move toward graduation, issues continue to arise such as graduation announcements and alumni association membership. Use the information here as a resource to help you get started when you're picking roommates, signing a lease, considering a car, or even buying gifts for friends.