Saving money as a student has its moments. I see students with Domino’s, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Starbucks from the nearby food places around us.
The other week, I saw a chocolate peanut butter Muscle Milk that I was excited to try. There was no price tag, so I had it rung up, and it came out to $8. There was no way I was paying that much.
The next day, I saw a student purchase one, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was the only frugal one on campus or if it feels like most students are funded by their parents?
It can feel that way when you are grant-assisted, potentially loan-assisted, but the reality is most students aren’t good with money or don’t have a real understanding of it.
I have packed my lunch since the first day of classes, and Thursday will be the first time I am going to buy something from a food truck. It’s a hamburger and fry truck that comes from the next city over. I don’t have a car, so getting to the actual restaurant isn’t feasible on my end.
It’s been years since I had them and only ever had them once. Someone drove, and I paid for the meal. With that said, I have had this date circled on my calendar since last month, way before classes started.
I am willing to splurge a little bit on a milkshake, fry, and cheeseburger. The beautiful thing is this restaurant is known for their frugal prices, so the whole meal should come out to less than $10 to $15.
There has been a food truck on campus every single day since school has started. I haven’t bought from a single one. I did buy some Reese’s animal crackers yesterday for the first time; $3.68 was the total, and a Mountain Dew for someone; $2.48 which still doesn’t add up to the single chocolate PB shake at $8 a bottle!
Last week I had a muffin top cookie, it was $3.50 which was reasonable and filling. Today I bought a bag of gummies $3.49 5.oz that will last me a couple of study sessions! I only eat a few at a time.
That being said, I will be toning down on the snacks as I am starting to see my body composition change from sitting and snacking more than usual. This will, however, mean more money in the pocket and fewer inches on the waist, that’s the theory at least.
I still haven’t touched a portion of my student funds and don’t plan to unless absolutely needed. Other than the food truck this week, it will be back to packed lunches and frugal pasta! Greek yogurts for breakfast with microwaved blueberries!
Update 7/31/24 I wrote an article about the experience and a bit on how sometimes its important to say yes even while building personal finance reserves.
The Broke College Student 
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