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, Bryanna, a junior at Baldwin Wallace University, shares her weekly spending habits.
Consider this my complaint letter to Hollywood for lying to me about how fun growing up and adulting would be, without mentioning how frickin’ expensive it can get! I cannot fully complain, though. As a junior music theatre major at Baldwin Wallace University, I’m very grateful my parents still cover my necessary expenses, like rent and groceries.
Yet, like Cyndi Lauper once said, “Girls just wanna have fun.” I do my best to manage my money, through a Google Sheet. (I know, I know. I’m like a grandma.) I do this to make sure I have the means for the odd trip to the nail salon and nights out on the town with my girls!
Because I’m in such a demanding program with weird hours (I have one class from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) during the school year, I only work once a week at the Conservatory Admissions office for three hours. That income, along with the money I earn over the summer (when I work full-time), allows me to have fun, gain new experiences, and enjoy my time during the school year.
While I am a diagnosed shopaholic, this year, I have been a big Night Out Girl, which you’ll be able to tell from the breakdown. (Also a little disclaimer it was spring break for me, so this isn’t exactly representative of what a normal college week looks for me.)
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Sunday
9 p.m.: Had my BFF over for dinner and we ordered in dessert. We got donuts, and let me tell you, they were scrumptious and so worth it. $26.19
Daily Total: $26.19
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Monday
2 p.m.: Went to get pedicures with one of my besties as a reward for getting through our dance midterms. We did splurge and get the ultimate option, which was $70. YOLO, am I right? $70
Daily Total: $70
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Tuesday
1 p.m.: Caught up with one of my friends over lunch at one of our favorite local cafes. We got so much food and split the check. $17.04
Daily Total: $17.04
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Wednesday
7:30 p.m.: Went on a first date with someone I’ve nicknamed Shuffleboard Boy, and I’m happy to announce I will be going on a second one! Plus, I’m even happier to announce that he paid. I did spend $10.50 on parking, though, because downtown is expensive. $10.50
Daily Total: $10.50
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Thursday
6 p.m.: The day I dread. My gas light unfortunately graced my dashboard, so there went $42. At least this will last me about two weeks! $42
7 p.m.: My BFF choreographed a local high school’s production of The Addams Family, so I went to support him and the kids. $10
Daily Total: $52
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Friday
8 p.m.: Saturdays might be for the boys, but Friday nights are for girls’ night out cocktails. While we could have made all of this for much cheaper at home, there’s something invigorating about sipping a $13 cherry-infused vodka concoction in a glamorous glass. I had a few. $33.70
Daily Total: $33.70
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Saturday
11 a.m.: Picked up my dry cleaning, and before I admit how much that bill came out to, this is the accumulation of about four months’ worth of clothes. $83.74
7 p.m.: Finally watched Everything Everywhere All At Once, but had to indulge on some movie theater popcorn and candy. $12.57
Daily Total: $96.31
Weekly Total: $305.74I always struggle with the guilt of saving. I’m a worrier, and always want to be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes, I have shoppers’ guilt when I buy yet another new pair of shoes or splurge on a steak dinner. Like I mentioned before, it was spring break, so I had more time for leisure activities. Plus it was a gas and dry cleaning week on top of it, so the final number is pretty steep. But, I remind myself that we only live once, so it’s important to find balance, which is exactly what I did this week!
