<p>Hope you will forgive this question. My parents are taking care of tuition, fees, books, room and meals which I’m sure you know is a lot…we did not qualify for any scholarships. We are trying to figure out what a REASONABLE amount to allow for personal expenses, per semester, would be. I plan to live on campus for the first two years so no transportation expenses except to and from home on holidays, which my parents will cover( we only live 2 hours away ). I would appreciate any recommendations from current students/parents. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>This is a tough one, very personal – insofar as you can spend a little…or you can spend a lot. It depends upon your inclination to spend $ on entertainment and such. It also depends upon which meal plan you choose. You may find yourself eating off campus on weekends and will need $ for that. </p>
<p>Your parents can add “discretionary” money into an account that will roll forward, if unused, from semester to semester. It can be used in the bookstore and on-campus dining options. Your parents can receive an “alert” if the balance drops below a certain amount. </p>
<p>We found d’s expenses to be a moving target. I think we initially figured $100 a month or so. Some months she didn’t really need it. Some months she needed a bit more (i.e. one month a bunch of students went to Disneyland…)</p>
<p>Definitely investigate the student football season ticket if you are interested in attending the games ($155 for all 6 home games in the fun, crazy student seating area (great seats, btw) There is a specific winidow in which new and returning students can purchase it: [USC</a> Ticket Office - Student Season Ticket Information](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/bus-affairs/ticketoffice/card/]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/bus-affairs/ticketoffice/card/) </p>
<p>Sorry, while not a definitive answer - I hope it helps a little… </p>
<p>Fight on!</p>
<p>Oh … and CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance!</p>
<p>Many families just have the kids use their HS grad money & any summer or part-time job earnings for students spending money. That is the kids’ “skin in the game” and lets the kid make good choices about how to spend or save $$$ & how much to try to earn during summer/school year. Our D got a job on campus her 2nd day there, so she could have some spending $$$. Our S spent the money he had saved from becoming an Eagle Scout & HS graduation. Sorry, have no idea how much they spent because we left that choice up to them.</p>
<p>Just like HIMom- DS 1 makes his own way with spending money… savings, summer earnings, HS gift money, and small work study job are his to manage. We took him to Target when we visited once to buy drinks, snacks and sundries on us and gave him a couple of twenties. I have just learned g-ma is sending him a bit of money each month… I am guessing $40 or $50 dollars. He hasn’t asked for a dime (except tuition, and housing of course!)</p>
<p>D is junior at another college (DC). We purchase sundries or meds (cold and flu season). She worked part time summer, soph yr/junior fall for spending money used for entertainment. Our cost ran about $30 month. Only sent an extra $100 at the end of freshman year to cover food/laundry on the campus card.</p>
<p>Oh yea, we give D about $100 every time we see her, which is a few times/year. Their grandparents send them $50 checks for their birthdays & other holidays from time to time as well. Other aunts also send them $30-50 checks for their birthdays. They have not dipped much into their savings; S has taken to buying/selling/reselling things on Craigslist & elsewhere to raise more money & declutter. Both live comfortably, safely and somewhat frugally, as we did as students and pretty much do normally. We do take the kids shopping to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target when we drop them off, to stock up on whatever they want/need for their housing and pantry and fridge. We also try to treat them & their room mate/friends to a nice meal while we visit. The friends’ parents also do the same.</p>