Before coming to college, we've all heard of the “broke-college-student" stereotype, but I never thought that would be me until I came to college. It's just one of those things you can't truly understand until you're in college, and you get a notification from your bank app that your funds are low (sadly speaking from personal experience). Or you've had to pass up going out to lunch with friends, because you legitimately only have $2.13 in your bank account. On the bright side, at least you know you're not the only one trying to navigate college with an empty, or near-empty, wallet.
Stage 1: Excitement of going to college.
You're off to college with what seems like unlimited amounts of high school graduation money, which you use to buy decorations for your new dorm room, a whole new wardrobe, and new school supplies.
Stage 2: You're overwhelmed with all the freedom and opportunities in college.
Shopping, going out to lunch every day with your newfound friends — how can you pass any of it up?
Stage 3: Discovering the world of online shopping.
When you don't have a car or you're living in a small college town, it's hard to buy everything you need. You've discovered how easy it is to buy everything and anything online, from shampoo to shoes to a new high tech coffee maker that you didn't know you needed until you got free shipping with Amazon Prime. The only downside is having to wait for it to ship.
Stage 4: Realizing that you spent well over $200 in just one week.
Where did that money even go? What did I even buy?! You've realized that you should probably cut back on spending a little.
Stage 5: Still spending money, but a little more frugally.
You've learned to buy generic brand products, not go out to eat every single meal, and you should probably stop giving that one homeless man $5 every time you see him.
Stage 6: Denial.
This one's self-explanatory, and probably the longest phase you will experience. What do you mean my funds are low? I still need to pay all my club dues, my favorite store is having a huge sale, and it's my friend's birthday dinner tomorrow night! Money is for spending anyway!
Stage 7: Spending money only on what you have to.
This is a subcategory of Stage 6, but now you make excuses to justify spending money on each thing you buy. This could be anything from “I'm buying a $10 a cappella concert ticket, because I have to support my friend" or “I'm buying these $90 sneakers, because they'll motivate me to work out more!"
Stage 8: Your bank account has hit rock-bottom.
This was the moment you thought would never come and feared, but now, it's real and it's here. Ensue feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness.
Stage 9: You will now do anything to survive on your broke-college-student budget.
You'll beg your friends to buy you drinks when you're out, and take up any opportunity for free food.
Stage 10: Acceptance.
Hello, my name is ____ and I'm a proud broke college student. There's nothing you can do about it now.
Stage 11: Attempting to turn your life around.
You've come full circle, and you've realized that you need to stop spending money on useless things. Or just stop spending money at all. Maybe it's time to get a job. Regardless, you have realized that you can't keep living like this.
