My student will be living off campus his last year and I’m wondering what’s the going budget rate for food expenses. Good grocery store is nearby and my son assured me he will be eating from home most meals. I’m scetptical :-/
I gave my kids what the amount was in the school COA. Anything over that amount came out of their own money
$75 per week which saved me much $$ vs. school’s meal plan.
@doschicos
Yeah I think these meal plans are fairly pricey and if you have a student who knows how to grocery shop and cook you can easily save $$$
I was thinking $100 a week which allows for some other necessities…
His coach gives them $28 perdiem when they are on training trips or on the road but they don’t always have hotels with kitchens so that amount probably forgives some eating out…
$100 sounds good, especially as an athlete likely needs more food. You can always adjust if needed.
One of the benefits of DS moving off campus for his last two years of Yale was that he ate better and (get this!) became a pretty damned good cook. He and his GF enjoyed cooking together as a date activity.
I gave my kids what I would have paid if they were on full meal plan. I am cooking only for myself now, I spend around 100-150 a week and I buy lunch at work. My grocery money doesn’t include household goods, just food.
Few things to consider when you are figuring out the budget is how accessible is a good grocery store and how much time your kid is going to have to find the best value. I know many people can save money when buying bulk or go to a local farmer’s market, but many students may not have the time or energy to shop for the best value.
IME, Students have to use one of the grocery delivery services.