Once you’ve made your decision to go back to school, it’s never too early to begin planning your budget. We all know school is expensive, and even if you’ve managed to wrangle federal financial aid by filling out your FAFSA, scoring a scholarship or grant, or finding a work study program to ease your cash burden, there are still some things you’ll need to adjust for. Besides airfare, rent, residence or dorm costs (if you’re living away from home), tuition, textbooks, computer and technology fees and school supplies, don’t forget to factor in these often unexpected costs:

1. Campus parking: If you’re a full time student and need to drive to school, it can be expensive to park your car. At The University of California, Santa Barbara a full year’s (three quarters) parking pass can cost as much as $648. Make sure you check out all your parking options. For example, parking in a lot a little further from your residence hall or the center of campus can save as much as half. Students at UCSB who instead parked near a UCSB athletic stadium paid $324 for a year’s permit, and you’ll get some exercise walking to class as well. Better yet, carpool, take the bus or train, or if you live nearby, ride your bike.

2. Food and drinks: Buying a latte or two from the stand in the student union adds up to $3 – $8 dollars a day. It may not seem like much but it amounts to $15 – $40 a week. Add lunch and any snacks and you’ll be spending a considerable amount of money. Instead, bring your own snacks and brown bag your lunch. Make sure you fill your portable coffee mug with home-brewed java. Treating yourself to a campus or off-campus lunch now and then makes for a “special occasion” kind of feeling, but you’ll also feel great doing your weekly grocery shopping and knowing you’ve saved a tidy sum.

3. Campus activities: If you’re a social butterfly who intends to join several organizations or attend sporting events during the year, remember these things will cost quite a chunk of spare change. SmartMoney reports that the average annual college organization fee is around $240, while sorority and fraternity membership is well over $2,000 a year. Students in intramural sports could fork out $125 a quarter to play. Make sure you leverage your interests and devote your cash to activities that really mean something to you. If you plan on attending sporting events, consider a season pass, or split the cost (and use) with friends.

4. Health care: What happens if you get sick at school? Some colleges have basic plans for students with an annual premium price of between $30 and $2,400 a year. If you require hospitalization, it can cost a lot more. See if you’re on your parents’ plan, as many schools will accept this coverage. The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s 2008 report on health insurance states that most college students are covered through employer-sponsored plans, and that some colleges and states are taking steps to increase coverage.

5. The weekend: If you reside on campus, it’s a given you’ll be spending your weekends without the freebies and perks of home. Weekend costs can include video rentals, movies, sporting events, nightclubs, yoga class or any number of activities, which you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Make sure you create a budget for weekend play. Better yet, parcel out some time to take a walk with friends or read and study in a group to fulfill some of your social needs. You’ll feel better and be ahead of the academic game when Monday rolls around.