Campus Fun, Wallet Woes: What Students Spend Beyond Tuition
Photo courtesy of Ella Dempster.
It’s no secret that college education is increasingly expensive and often requires students to take out loans that impact their financial status for years to come. So how can college students manage to have fun in an affordable way and get involved without breaking the bank?
“I manage to work all summer and save for the following year,” said Alexandra Kransinska ‘28. “It takes a lot of dedication and restraint to save and not spend it during the summer.”
Krasinska knows how important it is for her to have the funds when she really needs them during the school year, so she can focus on her academics and be able to partake in going off campus and fueling her shopping addiction.
“It’s all about balance,” Kransinska said. “I don’t need to unnecessarily spend my money in order to have fun. Watching a show with my roommates is free and, if not more fun for me.”
On the other hand, some students on campus get part-time jobs to have extra spending money to spend on going out, club dues or eating off campus.
“I’m working on getting an on-campus job because I already spent my summer work money on tuition,” Sophia Santoro ‘28 said.
On-campus jobs are accessible via Student Financial Services and include being a tutor, an office assistant, admission tour guides, fashion models and help desk assistants. These jobs typically offer minimum wage and require paperwork upon being hired.
Additionally, many off-campus chains and stores like Apple, Chick-fil-A, Domino's and most streaming services like Spotify or Hulu have student discounts, which help make things more affordable. It’s mostly all about balance for college students; if one thing is worth splurging on, like a concert or event, sacrificing items like everyday coffees or take-out may be necessary. Even dining based on meal plans may help budget better.
The price of fun beyond the classroom and tuition is the most often overlooked cost. A significant portion of a student’s university experience happens beyond academics, but unfortunately, it all comes with a price tag. A major expense is eating off-campus.
Photo courtesy of Ella Dempster.
“After long days, coffee runs become regular expenses and they add up,” Santoro said.
Another way to budget and prioritize the more important funds is to use budgeting apps, like Goodbudget, tracking spending, keeping a journal and taking advantage of discounts.
As the semester kicks off, students are reminded that their social life does not have to come at the expense of their wallet. Plan wisely, spend intentionally and enjoy every part of the college experience.