Navigating the High Cost of a Social Life in College
As a freshman in college, I embarked on a mission to transform from a shy introvert to a social butterfly. Little did I know, this new lifestyle would come with a hefty price tag. With limited funds, I had to get creative to keep up with my friends and our regular partying routine.
The Breakdown: Where My Money Went
To maintain my social status, I spent a significant amount on transportation, food, parties, events, and shopping.
- Ride-Sharing Woes: With an average cost of $5 per trip, I spent around $40 every weekend on Ubers to party-hop around the city. While it seemed like a good deal at first, it quickly added up, and I found myself taking unnecessary trips just to keep up appearances.
- Brunching Like a Boss: My friends and I loved getting dressed up for brunch at overpriced spots, spending around $25 per person. We only did this twice a month, but it was a nice treat from our meal plans.
- Party Like It’s Free: Living in a college town meant that parties were always abundant and usually free for women. I didn’t spend a dime on party entrance fees, but I did meet new people and form great friendships.
- Discounted Fun: I took advantage of discounted tickets to museums, festivals, and attractions, spending around $10 per ticket. I attended two events per month, totaling $20.
- Shopping Spree Regret: My biggest spending regret was constantly buying new clothes for parties and events. With an average shopping trip costing $30 to $50, I ended up with a bunch of trendy pieces that didn’t even match. By the end of the year, most of it ended up in the Goodwill pile.
Total Damage: $290
Looking back, my college spending wasn’t outrageous, but I did realize that some of my spending was mindless and driven by the desire to feel like a new person. As a rising sophomore, I’ve learned to analyze my spending and focus on what truly brings me happiness. My goal is to find a balance between having fun and being responsible with my finances.
Lessons Learned
In the end, I realized that I couldn’t buy the person I wanted to be. By letting go of some of that pressure, I’ve started to spend more on things that excite me and less on unnecessary expenses. My college “fun” budget for sophomore year will stay the same, but I’m looking forward to making more intentional spending choices.
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