When you spend all of your money from your summer internship on a vacation to Florida, a new car or a new summer wardrobe, refund checks become your knight in shining armor. In hindsight, that money in one way or another finds its way back to the university, in many cases. But when you get that money direct deposited to your bank account or you open your mailbox and see the words “Office of Financial Aid,” living in the moment is the only thing on your mind.

However, maybe when it comes to that money — whether a large amount or small amount — you should take your mind out of the moment and look ahead.

Hypothetically, if a student is given a refund check for $800, they can get new speakers in their car or take a road trip before summer comes to an end with a few buddies. Both sound like great ideas to me, but in retrospect, that’s not how you’re supposed to spend it.

One way you can use that money is on school books. In today’s world, not only is college tuition cost an arm and a leg, but textbook prices are out of this world as well. There hasn’t been a semester at MSU where I haven’t spent less than $400 for a semester worth of books, and the sad thing is I’ve probably only opened them a few times throughout each course.

Using refund check money on books allows you to not use your hard earned money or your parents or guardians hard earned money at a moment when finances might be difficult. Also, I don’t feel guilty using that money on school related items, but I do feel like I’m cheating the system when I get a massage with that money.

Another possibility is to spend that money on supplies you will need throughout college. Go buy a reliable laptop, printer or even a scanner. Purchase things that are helpful to your academics. Obviously a laptop can be used for much more than schoolwork, and a printer and scanner are two appliances that often are overlooked by college students. Of course you could use your friends or go to the library, but why rely on others when you can purchase your own?

Paying bills and credit card statements are other options immensely could benefit students that receive these checks. One of the worries of many college students who are entering the real world is their lack of credit. Using refund money to pay your bills and build credit will be a huge help down the road for many reasons. Not only would paying these bills help financially but it would relieve stress as well.

When you’re financially tight getting a little extra money is one of the best feelings in the world, but not because you can spend it on glamorous things, but because you can get things you absolutely need. Refund money gives students comfort and is a great tool to help them get the things that they need to be successful in school.

I’m sure the least popular option is to save that money.

By saving this money, you can have a solid amount to pay the university when it comes time to paying for your education once you leave college. In the same sense, if you save the money you were provided, it’s less of your money or your family’s money that has to come out of pocket. Also, by stashing these checks you can have something to fall back on in case of an emergency. You’ll never know when your job might downsize or when your car is going to breakdown, so this money could help you if those types of situations arise.

James Edwards III is a guest columnist at The State News and a journalism senior. Reach him at edwar443@msu.edu.