(WTNH) — College is likely your child’s first experience with the real world, especially when it comes to money. Financial Literacy Counselor Lew Deluca with Southern Connecticut State University helps your first year college student avoid a financial fallback.

Keep track of your spending, budget
Don’t take out more student loans than you need
Get a job, but a flexible one
Buy used or rent textbooks
Use prepaid meal plan instead of eating out
Use public transportation
Brew your own coffee
Stay healthy to avoid medical bills

For more information, watch the interview above.