Not a big fan of keeping up with the Joneses or handing over unlimited funds to a teenager just because you can.
You won’t go without or feel like a social outcast with a $15.00 weekly allowance. You’re there to study and you don’t need money to do that.
If an athletic team stops at a restaurant or an ice cream place after a game most coaches will have a school credit card to pay for it. They won’t tell kids to stay on the bus if they don’t have money. You won’t be expected to bring money for a meal or a treat after a game. If you travel with a team and stay at a hotel those expenses will be charged to your Student Account or paid for by your parent in advance. If it’s a competition like a Regatta with vendors selling T-shirts- that’s an example of when extra cash or a credit card will come in handy.
Most BSs don’t encourage kids to walk around with a lot of cash or keep cash in their room. If you need more than your weekly allowance ( for something special ) you can always have your parent release more funds. Not a big deal.
School provided transportation to the airport or EC / athletic team gear/ Swag can be charged to your Student Account. Gifts and school supplies sold at the school store can be charged to your student account. If they don’t sell your brand of toothpaste or shampoo at the school store have your parent ship it or go to the store and buy it. There’s always a bus leaving for a big box store or a mall every weekend. Have dad release more funds or get permission to use your credit card and climb aboard!
If you want to order a pizza - chip in. If you order an entire pizza for yourself… we need to talk.
Dorms usually have a Pizza Night or some other School- Funded Food Fest once or twice a term. They also serve refreshments ( purchased locally by the school or provided by the Dining Hall ) for special occasions like Christmas, Super Bowl, etc.
A truly fortunate BS student doesn’t have a Platinum Amex in their back pocket. They have a dorm parent who loves to bake. THANK THEM because there are thousands of less fortunate BS kids hitting the pillow every night dreaming of the brownie you just ate. Maybe offer to wash the Dorm Parent’s car or something and show a little gratitude…
If your parent would like for you to have a special celebration on your Birthday… it’s easy to arrange for a cake by calling the school or Dorm Parent. Kids don’t need to do anything more than show up, look surprised ( or mortified ) and blowout the candles.
If you know your school is taking a bus to see a blockbuster movie (or any movie ) and you want to go and have a little extra cash for refreshments have your dad release extra funds to cover it. Not a big deal. Some schools will purchase the tickets in advance ( if it’s a “Weekend Activity” ) and charge your SA when you sign up . If you want popcorn and a soda… it will be up to you to pay for it. Plan ahead!
It’s simple: Before you sign up for something ask for details. Many times schools will take kids to places ( like museums) and cover the expense.
You’re on your own if you want to buy an apple at a farmer’s market but with a $15.00 weekly allowance I think you’ll be able to swing it.
Certainly you can use a credit card to purchase clothing, games and music online but I’d work that out with your dad first. 
If you’re watching QVC in the Common Room and ordering stuff … we have a problem.
I take that back. Your parent has a problem. 