During the chaos of back­-to-­campus season, there's a lot to think about. Students around the country just arriving at school or those already settled into the new semester are coping with all the details of this major life transition. From the last­-minute items they may have forgotten to pack to ongoing necessities they'll need to purchase, those costs can add up quickly.

To help students save money and establish good habits for managing their budgets all year long, consumer and money­-saving expert Andrea Woroch advises planning for expenses and taking advantage of tools that can make saving easier.

"Once boxes are unpacked, students quickly realize there are plenty of everyday essentials they still need," said Woroch. "From forgotten school supplies and personal care items to coffee and snacks for study sessions, college life comes with a constant list of purchases."

Here are her tips for keeping up with these purchases without breaking the budget.

Start a list­-making habit

Keep a running list of must-­haves on your phone, noting items needing to be repurchased periodically, like toothpaste, shampoo and other personal care items. Make sure to track important items like prescriptions so you don't run out.

"Always take a quick inventory before shopping," Woroch said. "Check what you already have, then make a list based on what will be useful. That helps avoid impulse purchases and duplicates."

Go for one­-stop shopping

Save precious time by shopping where you can find what you need in one place, making your trip as efficient and affordable as possible. For example, your local CVS Pharmacy is convenient because you can knock out several checklist items in one stop, from school supplies and personal care items to snacks, study staples and health essentials.

Make sure to transfer your prescriptions to a CVS near campus so you'll be able to pick them up easily whenever you need them.

Take advantage of loyalty program rewards

Always check for rewards and offers that help you save money, wherever you shop. Students can create their own CVS ExtraCare loyalty account at CVS.com/extracare to unlock savings tailored to their specific needs at school.

"You may already have savings available on items you're picking up for the start of the semester, which is an easy way to make your budget stretch a little further," added Woroch.

Track your spending

Get in the habit of noting how much you're spending from the very beginning of the semester, no matter how small the purchase. You can find apps that track spending and budgeting to make this easier. Tracking helps you anticipate how much you'll need to cover expenses throughout the entire school year.

"Because small purchases add up quickly, your expenses may be higher than you realize. Seeing where your money is going early on makes it easier to make adjustments and avoid overspending," said Woroch. "A detailed spending plan should include essentials first, then you can figure out how much you can afford to spend on extras like eating out and entertainment. This is also a good opportunity to compare prices on regular purchases to stretch your dollars further!"

Pause before you buy

Before making an unplanned purchase, take a moment to ask three questions:

• Do I really need this?
• Do I already have something like this?
• Does it fit in my budget right now?

"A quick pause can save you from unnecessary spending and regretful purchases," Woroch said.

Plan ahead for a successful school year

Saving on last­-minute back-­to-­campus purchases is an important part of move-­in prep, but that's only the beginning. From transferring prescriptions to replenishing personal care items and snacks, planning ahead for ongoing needs students will have throughout the school year can help them stay organized, manage routines and feel confident navigating life away from home.

"It doesn't matter how prepared you think you are, there's always something forgotten," said Woroch. "I encourage families to think beyond that basic checklist and picture a typical day on campus: late-­night study sessions needing a quick snack or coffee, or waking up and getting ready for an early morning class. Thinking through scenarios and stocking up on essentials for the first few weeks can help students feel prepared."

CVS offers a convenient destination for health, wellness, personal care and everyday items students rely on, making it easy to check off last-minute back-­to-­campus needs while supporting students as they build independent routines throughout the semester.

To find everything you need for back­-to-­college, visit CVS.com or stop by your nearest CVS location.