The first time I saw a Canada Goose jacket was when I got to college – apparently they’re $1000, which is outrageous for anything short of the Arctic expedition it was intended for. For my part, I have a pretty weather-beaten leather jacket.
I’m not quite at the bottom end financially for my school, as I don’t have 100% financial aid, but 53% of the student body pays the full $73K price tag. Of that massive number, I could probably only name a few of them because they flaunt their wealth. I don’t associate with those people. Apart from that, we all mix together because we’re nice people.
There’s a general give-and-take system in college, where most people are pretty chill about spotting you $5 to go out or get a sandwich. Social events for clubs tend to be a little stricter, but when I’m just hanging out with my friends the phrase of the night is always “Just Venmo me whatever.”
I grew up around UW-Madison, and people seem to dress a couple steps more casual than Penn, which makes sense due to the atmosphere. I usually wear a band tee, a varsity jacket, jeans, and Vans, which is more casual than most of my peers but fits in with UW. When I dress up for church I swap the jeans for khakis and the t-shirt for a button-down. Social events = dress that cost anywhere from $15 to $50. I also get the most clothing compliments of anyone in my friend group, so make of that what you will.
Saving money in college:
- Set a checking account upper limit on yourself. As soon as you get a paycheck, if you get over that limit, transfer the excess to savings so you trick your brain into thinking it’s not there. I give myself $100 a week MAX.
- Psychology labs usually need volunteers and will compensate you for your time. Check the UW buses.
- Join rewards clubs for grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. They’re free to sign up, you get coupons and discounts.
- Read the conditions of your work-study carefully and figure out what to do based on that. At mine, I keep all the money I earn, but I max out at $3500/year, so I work about 10 hours a week to make sure I don’t get cut off. I’m also in a research lab so mine are pretty flexible.