How much spending $ for college child

Trying to find out some info from other moms that have college students. My step-daughter is away at an university and needs some spending money. Her tuition includes a meal plan, laundry, etc. Just wondering what you have sent for your child. I don't want to send too much and let her get into trouble with it, although she has been very responsible. Yet, I don't want to send too little and let her miss out on anything. She's a freshman. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[becks715]

When I went to university (24 now graduated 2 years ago).  My parents used to just put $100 in my account when they could.  That goes a long way when you really do spend most of your time chilling out in the dorm and have all your food covered on a meal plan.  

Even if she does go out "partying" you know she's responsible and isn't going to do anything crazy.  I think you should give her what you can and feel like and she will make it work.  

If something special ever came up I would just call my parents and ask for a bit extra for whatever the occasion was.  That helped keep the communication open too between us.  :)

[tmv]

About how often did they put $100 in the account? Approx. every month or sooner/longer? I've no clue. Things are very different than when I went. Thanks again.

[becks715]

Yes I would say about that.  Around Christmas if they could afford it I'd ask for a bit more cuz my friends and I would do a christmas dinner at school and a secret santa...  

I would tell her that's what you're planning on doing and if she requires more for a special occasion etc to ask.  That way you can also keep track of her spending.  I mean she is responsible you say, if everything else is covered $100 is tons to have fun with that's 20 a week, a movie one week, a night out to dinner one week, a few drinks at the bar one week (if she's of age?).  It depends too on your financial situation and if she's going to work part time or not as well.

My cousin (the exact same age as me) comes from a well off family (really well off) and she got $100 a week in spending money!  I thought that was so much and she was spoiled lol :)  

[tmv]

Thanks for the help. No, were not filthy rich. Too bad, though, lol. She is taking oodles of classes and difficult ones right now. I don't think that she'll have time for a job, although it is not out of the question. She's under age for drinking, but anyone can get in the bars around the university. I just hope she makes wise choices. It's hard to be a parent (step-parent) long distance. Trust and faith. Anyhow, thanks again. Best wishes to you.

[becks715]

Hey I hear you.  Seriously I was a good kid, never did drugs or drank, never missed curfew, always did my homework.  And when I went off to University even though it was only an hour away my mom balled.

All the parenting that got done in the younger years now starts coming into play.  She knows right from wrong, and even if she has a drink or two underage, it's all part of the learning experience that University is (and it's a big learning experience).  Trust and faith, you as the parent did all you could and now it's up to her to find her own way and be her own person.  I'm sure she'll be fine, and she may not even go near a bar, but if she does, it's not the end of the world.  And hey if she's taking tough classes she might not have time to go anywhere!  (make sure you encourage her to go out once in awhile - studying,although number 1, shouldn't consume her university life, she does need to socialize!)  

Best of luck to her and you! She'll be fine! :)

[stlmom]

Why not have her get a part time job?  I am a widowed mom of 4 and have 2 sons in college fulltime and working fulltine to pay for it! They are VERY responsible and appreciate their education much more because they have to pay for it.  I would give your daughter enough money to buy her essentials but if she wants money to "go out with" she sould get a part time job.