In Her Campus’ series Where’d My Money Go?, we’re taking a look at what one college student spends in a week on campus. In this piece, Hadiyah, a senior at Temple University, shares her weekly spending habits.
I have a major addiction — and no, it’s not the latest season of The Bachelor. I enjoy treating myself on an almost daily basis, especially when college life starts hitting hard. As a senior at Temple University, my expenses are quite literally doubling. I will be graduating next spring, and I’ve made so many graduation cost lists in my notes. It’s ridiculous!
Thankfully, I am an employed girly and have been consistently working since I was in high school. I’ve mostly worked retail, but right now I’m working special events at a multi-purpose venue. I get paid $14/hr, which is lower than what I made at my last job ($16.30/hr). Because my current job is based on events, my schedule is scattered, which means I sometimes have to stretch my money until I’m able to work again. This can be especially frustrating because I don’t want to constantly worry about not having enough money to do what I want.
I live at home, which means I’m a commuter. I spend money on transportation, whether it be the train or a ride-share app. I also pay for my own Apple Music and Amazon Student subscriptions, and any additional space for photos on my phone because I refuse to delete anything. When I have extra money, I always treat myself to my favorite food spots on and off campus.
November was especially great for me because I received the first of two stipends for my internship with Her Campus Media and my regular job. Though I would’ve liked my two direct deposits to be used on a much-needed shopping splurge, I had to adult my way through as usual — but, of course, I fed myself!
Monday
12 p.m.: My check was deposited from work, so I immediately ordered Master Wok on campus for $11.98. I typically bring my own beverages from home so I don’t have to spend extra money. Today I got two spring rolls instead of one with my meal. I spent $4.63 when I bought ramen noodles at CVS. Chicken flavor is better than beef, don’t argue with me!
5 p.m.: Because I don’t like taking the train everywhere, I also got two Uber rides for $14.92 and $4.90, which were heavily discounted.
Daily Total: $36.43
Tuesday
3 p.m.: I got paid for my internship! Food prices on campus have been high for a while, and so have all the food trucks. I got a halal platter today for $10.50. As a Philly native, I know a good halal platter when I see one. The particular truck I frequent upped their prices from $7 to $10 in less than a year. The food is great, so I don’t complain too much about it. Every platter also comes with a free drink.
5 p.m.: I paid my phone bill, which was $157.26, once I got home.
Daily Total: $167.76
Wednesday
8 a.m.: My mom purchases the majority of my food, but I like to get breakfast in the morning sometimes on my way to school. I got Dunkin’ this morning. I always get an egg and cheese croissant, an order of hash browns, and a bottle of orange juice. For my breakfast order, I spent $5.05. Once I arrived on campus, I went to CVS to look through their birthday cards because my dad’s birthday was that day, and I also got him his favorite chocolate chip cookies, which came to $15.61.
4 p.m.: To wrap up my spending for the day, I also made a payment on my credit card for $130.
Daily Total: $153.45
Thursday
9 a.m.: I got my usual Dunkin’ order this morning for $7.84.
7 p.m.: I have plenty of on-campus involvement, so I took an Uber home after with my organization, Women of Color Creatives. I spent $17.98.
Daily Total: $28.03
Friday
9 a.m.: Before classes, I went to my favorite deli for breakfast, and ordered egg and cheese on a short hoagie roll and a pack of Oreos for $8.48.
12 pm: Around lunch, I ordered Wingstop. I’ve tried nearly every flavor. Garlic Parmesan and Mango Habanero are my favorites. Because it’s Friday, I treated myself to my favorite combo with fries and a drink for $14.03.
Daily Total: $22.51
Weekly Total: $408.18
Believe it or not, this week was very light compared to my usual spending habits. I’ve learned to get all the important things out of the way when I get paid. My credit card and phone bill are always at the top of my list of expenses. At the beginning of the semester, my tuition balance was my highest expense. But once that’s paid, I can relax a little bit. As I’ve previously mentioned, I graduate next spring so I’m gearing up for my graduation photoshoot and any post-grad plans. I’ve planned it to perfection, thanks to my multiple Pinterest boards.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more mood boards to create!