She Strengthens

The Hidden Dangers of Keeping Up Appearances in College

As a college student, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire to fit in and project a certain image. I know I did. I thought I was being frugal, but looking back, I realize I made some costly mistakes. These weren’t necessarily big-ticket items, but rather a series of small purchases that added up over time. The problem wasn’t the money itself, but the reasons behind my spending.

The Illusion of Fitting In

I wanted to be seen as the fun, quirky girl who never said no to a social invitation. I spent money on things that would make me appear more interesting, more adventurous, and more popular. But in reality, these purchases didn’t bring me any lasting joy or satisfaction. They were merely a way to keep up appearances.

9 Regrets from My College Days

In hindsight, there are several areas where I wish I had been more mindful of my spending. Here are some of the biggest regrets from my college days:

1. Overpriced Housing

I paid a premium to live in a small apartment near campus, thinking it would make me feel more connected to my friends. But in reality, I ended up paying over $1,000 more per month than I needed to. A little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) can go a long way in draining your bank account.

2. Thrift Store Finds Gone Wrong

I thought I was being thrifty by buying second-hand items, but I ended up with a bunch of stuff I didn’t need. I got caught up in the idea of being crafty and ironic, but it was all just a waste of money.

3. Poster Child

Every semester, I’d buy a bunch of posters to decorate my dorm room. I thought it would make me seem cooler, more interesting. But in reality, they just made my room look cluttered and overwhelming.

4. Club T-Shirts and Hoodies

I was proud to be involved in various clubs and organizations, but I didn’t need to buy a new T-shirt or hoodie every time I attended an event. It was just a way to prove my loyalty, but it ended up being a costly habit.

5. “Going Out” Clothes

I thought I needed to dress up every time I went out with friends, but in reality, no one cared what I wore. I could have gotten away with a few solid tank tops and some nice accessories.

6. Theme Party Faux Pas

I wasted money on glow sticks, ironic sweatbands, and other theme party accessories. I learned that it’s okay to skip the theme or keep it simple – no one really cares.

7. Book Hoarding

As an English literature major, I thought I needed to own a million books. But in reality, I could have used my tablet or e-reader, or borrowed from the library. Now I’m left with a bunch of books I’ll never read.

8. Fancy Notebooks

I loved buying pretty notebooks, but I ended up wasting money on them. If I could do it again, I’d stick to regular spiral notebooks from the dollar store.

9. Coffee Shop Meetings

I thought meeting friends for coffee or drinks was a necessary part of adulting, but it’s not. You can connect with people just as well over a homemade cup of coffee in your living room.

The Takeaway

College is a time of self-discovery, and it’s okay to make mistakes. But by being more mindful of our spending habits, we can avoid wasting money on things that don’t truly bring us joy. Remember, it’s not about keeping up appearances – it’s about being true to yourself.