The reason behind the “change”

The reason behind the “change” A look into why college students are broke by EmmaleeRanner

Pondering… • Society has many stereotypes for college students. From labeling them as boozing party animals, to being ignorant to townies, there seems to be a label for every situation. One of the stereotypes is that college students are always broke, forced to survive on a diet of Ramen Noodles and water. As a college student myself, I’ve noticed that this one stereotype has a lot of truth to it. Which leads me to the question… • Why are college students notoriously strapped for cash?

How did I investigate? • To answer my question, I did intensive research on the website www.campusgrotto.com, and conducted interviews with two Bloomsburg University sophomores, Laura Sperandeo and Emily Gavigan. I have also observed my surroundings and have hands on experience with being a college student myself.

What I found in my exploration… • According to www.campusgrotto.com, college students are broke for six reasons: • Tuition keeps RISING! • Middle class doesn’t get financial aid • Students fall into the credit card trap! • Textbooks cost nearly and arm and two legs • Gas is expensive for the commuter students • Many can not work because there is little time for a job

i.n.t.e.r.v.i.e.w. #1 • Name: Laura Sperandeo • Age: 20 • Major: Business Management at Bloomsburg University • Year: Sophomore • Where is she living? Upper-campus apartments

The scoop When asked about the main problem she has when it comes to money, Laura said, “I have the hardest time buying food. Most of the time I end up buying too much and it gets thrown away, or I buy too little and I end up back in the store three days later. I feel like either way I’m wasting money.”

Laura, continued… • In addition, Laura also stated she has problems with money when it comes to recreation. She went on to say that, “I have a hard time saying no when friends want me to go out to eat with them. Even though I know it would probably be cheaper to make something in my apartment, I usually choose to go out with them to eat. Especially on the weekends!”

i.n.t.e.r.v.i.e.w. #2 • Name: Emily Gavigan • Age: 19 • Major: Business Economics • Year: Sophomore • Where is she living? Upper-campus apartments

The scoop Upon asking where she has the most difficulty with money, Emily (on right of picture) said, “I’m a member of a sorority, so therearea LOT things that I have to pay for. That along with classes and clubs, I have no time to get a job. I have a meal plan on campus which helps but there are still many things that I need to pay for with little to no income.”

Through my experience… • I believe that college students are commonly short on cash flow because they do not know how to BUDGET! They often do not know how to budget because:  College is their first time living on their own and they do not know how to manage their funds on their own.  Students often make the mistake of buying what they want instead of what they need.  Students who do not know how to use their time wisely believe that they do not have time for a job, which cuts at their funds.

Let’s wrap this up! • WHY • ARE • COLLEGE • STUDENTS • LOW ON • THE • CASH-FLOW? • Tuition strains their wallet • No time for jobs for many • They buy the wrong groceries • Students have a hard time saying no to going out with friends during free time = spending money. • Extracurriculars can be expensive. • Students do not know how to properly budget their money!

“x” marks the spot… • "Why College Students Will Always Be Broke." CampusGrotto. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.campusgrotto.com/>. • Personal interview. 7 Feb. 2010. • Personal interview. 8 Feb. 2010.

The reason behind the “change”