How Much Would A Student Spend Each Week?

Question

Hi I Am Going To The USA To Study I Just Wanted To Know How Much A Student Would Spend Each Week( Or Month )

Without Accomadation, Heat, Water And Electricity

Who Doesnt Smoke Or Drink

Answer 1

$60 a month and which state are you going??

Answer 2

I would say about 20 to 30 dollars for the occasional dinner and movie : )

Answer 3

Without accommodation, heat, water, and electricity factoring into the total, you will probably spend about $30-50 a week on food, and for entertainment and transportation costs, perhaps another $10-20.  Other costs to consider may include clothing, medication, and household items that you may have to buy on arrival.  

Some areas of the US are more expensive than others, and so your costs can fluctuate because of the price difference.  Also, being able to cook your own food can mean a smaller cost, but meals from fast-food restaurants can also be rather inexpensive.  Entertainment can be provided for free by schools, and transportation doesn't have to cost much if you buy a bus pass or walk most of the time.  

Enjoy your visit.

Answer 4

I would always air on the side of caution when it comes to making a budget of this proportion, due it part to the fact that people get carried away with the "U.S. is a cheap place to live" when it most certainly isn't and Miami, is certainly one if the cities in which the prices are quite high.

Since you do not want to factor in accommodation, utilities and you don't drink or smoke. Then the two main  costs in your budget on a regular basis will be grocery's and transportation. The former is probably going to cost you around $50 per week and about $80-90 when you are purchasing non-regular items such as: tin-foil, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, household cleaning supplies etc. But for your first ever shopping trip, when need to buy *everything* I wouldn't be supprised if it comes to around $200-$250, just for the one inital shop.

For transportation, it is really going to vary and since I have never lived Miami, I couldn't tell you the cost of public transportation nor could I say if it is reliable, because in many States it is not. However, since you will be a student, you will get a discount and I couldn't envision you spending more than $20 a week but that is just to get from school and back. Here in Denver it is $1.50 a journey for anywhere in the metro area but for students, it is free. If you live close to campus then consider investing some money in a bike or walking to school. If you decide on spending the big bucks and purchase a used car, then you can expect $20-40 a week on gas (petrol) to run the car. Again that is subject to your usage and an investment which I would recommend since in the U.S. a car is a necessity unless you live in a city, and even then not every city is walkable, even more so if you are doing grocery shops.

If you decide to eat out at a regular sports bar, that will probably cost you between $15 and $20 for a entree, main meal and a soda (free refills usually).

You will also need schools supplies each semesters (Fall & Spring) and my costs are around $50 each time at somewhere like Office Max. Expect more if you specialized items for your class such as a calculator. School text-books will also cost you a pretty penny, the average is about $350 for four classes, but again it depends on the classes.

Another big investment you will have to make is to purchase a laptop and a printer, these two items will be needed for every class since all essays and assignments are typed only.

You will also need clothes, shouldn't be a problem in Miami, shorts and T-shirts all year round, with a couple pairs of jeans.

Your first month is going to be very expensive and you can easily drop $5,000 in no time at all if you purchase all of the above included a laptop.

My advice to you is as follows: discover what local grocery stores are in your area such as Target (easily the cheapest here in Denver), Safeway, Walmart, King Soopers etc and then fill in an application for a store discount card (they are free). This will save you a ton on shopping bills. Secondly, look in those stores and pick up their free paper, inside there will be plenty of discounts and coupons to use, finally, shop around for the best deals. The same applies for every aspect, not just grocery's. Check you mail for regular t*t for tat, there are also good offers being posted.

Don't forget, you will also need furniture for your apartment and cooking equipment. Look for people moving out of your apartment and yard sales. Look and 2nd hand or used store and if you have no option but to buy brand new, then shop around and look for those discounts and coupons and furthermore, don't be afraid to ask do you offer student discounts, you will be surprised at how much you can save.