<p>Honestly, when I lived on campus, I didn’t NEED more than a little money for food and for gas to come home, but I sure WANTED other things, which is where the job was necessary. </p>
<p>I’d say even just $100 a month would be generous of the family and that they could always negotiate with their student and see what they’re spending money on (of course this assumes they have a meal plan. If not, adjust according to standard prices of food in the area). I’m guilty of buying coffee and lattes almost every day, so I know that I waste at least $10 a week on that. I also buy a lot of food from the food court, which adds up. Everyone is different and everyone will have different spending habits. </p>
<p>In regards to jobs that are less than 4 hours a shift, tutoring jobs are totally flexible. At mine, there are days I only work 1.5 hours in between classes and then others where I work 5 hours straight. </p>
<p>Also, you could always get a weekend job and just work Saturdays and Sundays or just one of them. I do that on the weekends and then tutor during the week around my class schedule. Yes it kind of sucks to be constantly running around to either class or work, but it helps me procrastinate less and has taught me how to get down to work and to truly appreciate the free time I do have. </p>
<p>Ultimately, I don’t think anyone is ever “too busy” to have a job. Even just working 5 hours a week would help you learn what it’s like to work and juggle other responsibilities. It would provide your coffee money for the week. I agree that not everyone can work close to full time while having a full course load, but I think everyone can give up a Saturday every now and then to babysit or tutor or sell vegetables at a farm stand. </p>