<p>We initially planned a spending allowance of about $200 per month at Fordham, but have found that is far more than is used. </p>
<p>Our student is at RH campus with a full schedule- an 18-credit load, athletics, and organizations.<br>
Initial set-up was the most expensive - he needed lamps, bulbs, and large liquid sundries and other supplies from the nearby Walgreens (he flies in each year with just one large and one medium suitcase). I mail sundries in USPS flat-rate Priority boxes for $17. Target is a bus-ride away. Amazon Prime ($79) allows us to order a lot of things and books, with free shipping. With the unlimited food plan, you don’t really need a refrigerator or coffeemaker. Washer/dryers are free, toilet paper is provided, vacuums are available in dorms. He picks up his winter clothes on a holiday trip home, plus one big box I mail in late October. Clothes are a bargain on Fordham Road, and $50 can buy a LOT. </p>
<p>Social: On week-nights his group of friends meet for a second-dinner gathering. Week-ends, depending on workload, he usually goes out to ‘Little Italy’ – which can be done for as little as $3-5, or $20 for a full sit-down Italian meal. (Avg. is about $10) The bar area can be very inexpensive - Tinkers is the ‘freshman’ nightspot with no cover charge. (Underage students can’t drink, but are allowed in bars.) Of course, you can spend big, too. </p>
<p>Transportation to downtown - Ram Van is $3 each way (to LC campus), subway $2.75, Metro (train) $4-8 depending on time of day. Fordham transport to/from airports is $50 round trip, taxi is $45-65 each way. </p>
<p>Activities in NYC can be very inexpensive; many venues have great prices for college students. Lincoln Center & Carnegie Hall and many other venues are $10 to half-price. Tickets for Broadway plays can be $20 to 1/2 price. And all the free things in NY – Central Park, Wall Street, the Highline, the Village, Staten Island ferry, the Museums (although most post a ‘price’, many are optionally a donation, and there are some free days). Many Corporations, NGOs and consulates in the City offer events for free, also. Student Rush and ClubFreeTime are the best sources for free/inexpensive events. </p>
<p>Go Rams!</p>