<p>I agree with ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad. Good post. </p>
<p>I haven’t worked during the school year but have had more than enough money spending money from summer earnings. I do plan to get a job during the year this year because I find I have a lot of free time and would like to make some extra money. My parents paid for tuition, room, board, books, and travel home. Living in an apartment now (which is much cheaper than the dorm) I get money for rent, utilities, and groceries (including cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc.). I pay for transportation downtown, meals out, shopping, tickets for any shows, movies, gifts for people, and–yes–alcohol. I didn’t keep track, but I’m guessing I spent probably around $1500 throughout last year. I could have been much more frugal and still enjoyed city life. You just need to decide what you feel comfortable paying for. If you’re freely giving $200 / month, you’re probably covering a lot of excessive spending and/or the costs of alcohol and any other substances. I should add that I don’t know any students at my college who get spending money from their parents. I go to an expensive college in a city.</p>