College Student Purchases

Hey, quick question. Does anyone know what products college students tend to buy the most? I'm trying to budget for next year and want to get a rough idea of essential spending.

Sure, happy to help. Being a college student generally comes with certain typical expenses. The most common areas where college students tend to spend their money are:

1. Food: This includes both grocery shopping for home-cooked meals and eating out. Some campuses offer meal plans which can keep this expense predictable.

2. Textbooks & School Supplies: The cost can vary widely depending on your major and whether you're able to find used or digital copies.

3. Tech/Electronics: Everyone has a laptop, phone, and other important tech such as headphones or calculators. Sometimes the major can dictate additional needs. For instance, design students might need a graphics tablet.

4. Personal Care & Toiletries: Items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, toothpaste and other necessary items for personal hygiene.

5. Clothing and Laundry: Depending on climate, you might need winter or summer-specific clothes. Plus, don’t forget about laundry expenses!

6. Leisure/Entertainment: Movie tickets, streaming subscriptions, books, gym memberships, and any costs associated with hobbies or clubs you participate in.

7. Transport: This could range from gas and car maintenance to public transit fares or even bike repairs.

8. Miscellaneous: There's always going to be some unexpected costs, be it a trip home, a gift for a friend's birthday, funding for a project or club, or the occasional splurge.

Remember, the specifics will vary depending on individual circumstance (like whether you live off-campus in an apartment or on-campus in a dorm). And also, don't forget about tuition and accommodation, which are obviously the most significant expenses. It's a good idea to overestimate your spending slightly to be on the safe side. Good luck budgeting!