We all know that typically, a college student doesn’t have much money to spend throughout the week. As an avid online shopper and Starbucks lover, I’ve learned that budgeting and knowing when I can buy things for myself is so important. I try to budget about $50 per week, but I adjust according to what I have planned. If I know I’m going to the mall one day and spend $100 shopping, I’ll try not to spend any money or as little as possible the next week. I make sure I plan ahead so that I always have money to do the things I want to do, I just might not be able to spend as much the following week. Here is what I spend in a week as a broke college student:
Day 1: I went to Starbucks and accidentally ordered 2 drinks on the app, so I gave one to my roommate. I also got a snack from the bookstore before sitting outside on this beautiful day, so overall I spent $10.
Day 2: I spent $0 this day! This was just a chill homework day so I ate at the dining hall and successfully didn’t order anything online!
Day 3: Today I went to IHOP for my friend’s birthday, so I spent $10 on strawberry banana french toast and I gave my friend $5 for gas money since she drove us there.
Day 4: Another $0, the best kind of days!
Day 5: I spent $25 on a train ticket to go home for next weekend and $15 on Chinese food for dinner with my friend.
Day 6: On this day, I went to Ben and Jerry’s for my friend’s second birthday celebration. I gave my other friend $5 for gas again and spent $10 on ice cream.
Day 7: $0 again, as I had classes all day and didn’t leave campus.
Throughout the week, I spent $80, which was a little over the $50 that I budgeted. Since I had to pay for a train ticket and I was out a few times for my friend’s birthday celebrations, I spent a little more this week than I wanted to. Next week, I’ll try to only spend $30, which is definitely achievable if I only eat in the dining hall and be careful about what I’m spending. It can be hard to stick to a budget, but once you learn to think ahead and incorporate it into your weekly routine, it’s a valuable skill you’ll use for the rest of your life!