Despite the dozens of parties, the fun sporting events, and the first taste of freedom from parental authority, being a college student in today’s day comes with an overload of stressful deadlines and a constant need to budget one’s money to help cover the multiple expenses that come with being a college student. As the prices of everyday goods have significantly increased in the past few months, many college students are forced to broaden out their already limited budgets. 

In California, gas prices have officially reached an all time high as the state average reaches $4.71, according to AAA. Sonoma State University is an institution where many of its students commute to and from school. Depending on how far the students commute from, the drive to school can become quite costly for students having to commute multiple times a week. 

It is also important to consider the fact that many students are also working part-time or even  full-time jobs while also being full-time students. For many, this contributes to their travel and gas expenses. According to the New York Times, the main cause for the rise in gas prices is mainly due to COVID-19. The article states, “Gas production fell when demand plummeted last year amid stay-at-home orders, and it hasn’t caught up as commuters and tourists return.” 

Another big expense on everyone’s plate is the increased cost of food and groceries. For Sonoma State student Leilah Hoang, purchasing groceries stands out as a major dip in her wallet. In fact, Hoang stated that she believes groceries are “the main expense for most college students, especially those without a meal plan”. She recalls noticing the increase in food prices when she moved away from her family and back on to campus for the start of the fall semester. Hoang is a senior at SSU and like many other upperclassmen living on-campus, the SSU meal plan is not in her budget, therefore pushing her to rely on grocery store visits to keep her refrigerator stocked. According to ABC 7 News, price jump is a result of the U.S economy rebounding from 2020’s “brief but intense recession”. The article also stated, “The price of meat, fish and eggs went up 11.9% from October 2020 to October 2021. Meanwhile, the cost of non-alcoholic drinks increased 4.5%, fruits and vegetables increased 3%, and the price of dairy increased 1.8%”. Although the high prices point to the U.S recovering its economy, the increase in prices seems outrageous to many California residents. 

On top of the growing prices of everyday goods such as food and gas, college students are also met with other challenging expenses such as college tuition and other bills. For example, Hoang is a full-time student, but also works full-time. She states, “I have to pay bills and tuition, so it’s all about understanding how to manage money in order to have extra money to go out with friends”. 

As the holiday season comes around and the semester comes to an end, these high prices can seem all the more dwindling. Many college students find themselves spending time apart from their families because of the high cost of gas prices preventing them from driving home for the holidays, while others are unable to buy holiday gifts for friends and family. Regardless of what each individual’s lives consist of, being a college student is expensive, demanding, and difficult; however, we’re all secretly hoping the degree is worth the stress.