Reasonable allowance for college freshman?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My high achieving UMC kid is going on tons of merit scholarships to a state flagship, 30 minutes away. His tuition is free. His room is paid off. We will only be paying for his meals. So everything else he needs for leisure, entertainment, semester abroad, travel, necessities...will be paid by us. He also have access to our Amazon, paypal, uber, starbucks, macys, kohls, costco accounts. He will continue to be covered by our insurance.

We also presented him a new Prius and pay for all associated costs. Going forward we will pay for grad school, contribute to his wedding, and help down payment to first house. We would give him more but we are basic UMC in DMV.

He will only start paying for himself 100% when he can afford an ok standard of living. We do not expect him to live off Ramen noodles like we did when we were starting off.

My kids are pretty cost conscious and frugal to begin with. Since they are reasonable, they are trusted with a credit card and a debit card. No need for a "reasonable allowance". Yes, it comes with stings attached. They know my expectation regarding their grades, behavior, habits and health.

Put this one in the DCUM hall of fame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My high achieving UMC kid is going on tons of merit scholarships to a state flagship, 30 minutes away. His tuition is free. His room is paid off. We will only be paying for his meals. So everything else he needs for leisure, entertainment, semester abroad, travel, necessities...will be paid by us. He also have access to our Amazon, paypal, uber, starbucks, macys, kohls, costco accounts. He will continue to be covered by our insurance.

We also presented him a new Prius and pay for all associated costs. Going forward we will pay for grad school, contribute to his wedding, and help down payment to first house. We would give him more but we are basic UMC in DMV.

He will only start paying for himself 100% when he can afford an ok standard of living. We do not expect him to live off Ramen noodles like we did when we were starting off.

My kids are pretty cost conscious and frugal to begin with. Since they are reasonable, they are trusted with a credit card and a debit card. No need for a "reasonable allowance". Yes, it comes with stings attached. They know my expectation regarding their grades, behavior, habits and health.

Put this one in the DCUM hall of fame.

you're just jealous

[Anonymous]

Wait till these parents find out what gopuff is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

NP. You said she "often" had to order UberEats in your original post. Now you say she ate in the dining hall 99% of the time and only ordered it as "an odd occasion here and there." Which is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

Don't have to justify yourself one bit, the vast majority of parents are just like you. Some of these people, especially the one who wrote the post above are simply odd and they can't help themselves. They are people that have social issues and coming on to an anonymous forum and berating people for things they would never get away with in real life is a thing for them. Sad and pathetic but just imagine what it's like being their kid? Let them eat Ramen!

[Anonymous]

OP what worked for us was to have our child come up with a proposed monthly budget with rough breakdowns of what he thought he'd be spending it on (so not just a lump sum proposal), and justify it to us. That led to a good conversation about where we thought he was under or overestimating the cost of things, and a discussion about what categories of things we'd be willing to pay for and what would come out of his own funds (whether earnings or savings). We took into consideration both what he might need in cash and what he could spend on our Amazon account and credit card.

Then he tracked his spending to see how accurate his budget was, and we adjusted accordingly. Overall, he was pretty on point.

Like many posters, I was on my own for all spending money in college. My parents paid room and board and for their part of tuition after financial aid, and I am very grateful for that because it was a huge sacrifice for them, and I was proud to pay my own way. But it was also a hardship for me and my job took time from my studies and I missed out on a lot of things that I would have liked to do because I couldn't afford it. I have worked hard in my career so my kids could have better, but at the same time I want them to have the satisfaction of taking care of themselves, so it is really just about finding the right balance that's aligned with your values. I'll pay for the occasional pizza night or bagel sandwich because yeah, I get he can eat in the dining hall but sometimes it is nice to have a break from that and to get off campus. And yeah, I'll even pay for a bit of a sushi splurge after finals. But, I'm not paying for nice restaurant dinners two nights a week. I have a particular issue with Door Dash/Uber Eats because I think the charges are so expensive as to be ridiculous, so I generally would not pay for that, but if he was really sick or really bogged down for a few days for some reason with school or something I'd be ok with that, but it would be once or twice a semester, and not a regular thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My high achieving UMC kid is going on tons of merit scholarships to a state flagship, 30 minutes away. His tuition is free. His room is paid off. We will only be paying for his meals. So everything else he needs for leisure, entertainment, semester abroad, travel, necessities...will be paid by us. He also have access to our Amazon, paypal, uber, starbucks, macys, kohls, costco accounts. He will continue to be covered by our insurance.

We also presented him a new Prius and pay for all associated costs. Going forward we will pay for grad school, contribute to his wedding, and help down payment to first house. We would give him more but we are basic UMC in DMV.

He will only start paying for himself 100% when he can afford an ok standard of living. We do not expect him to live off Ramen noodles like we did when we were starting off.

My kids are pretty cost conscious and frugal to begin with. Since they are reasonable, they are trusted with a credit card and a debit card. No need for a "reasonable allowance". Yes, it comes with stings attached. They know my expectation regarding their grades, behavior, habits and health.

Put this one in the DCUM hall of fame.

you're just jealous

Jealous that your kid can use your credit card at Kohl's?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

NP. You said she "often" had to order UberEats in your original post. Now you say she ate in the dining hall 99% of the time and only ordered it as "an odd occasion here and there." Which is it?

jeez louise had to go find my original post, ok so I used the word often, I didn't really mean "often" it happened a few times, mostly around finals. over a whole year, I could count on two hands how often. Sorry for my sloppy typing hahah

[Anonymous]

Who pays for their fake ID? Birth control? Weed dealer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who pays for their fake ID? Birth control? Weed dealer?

They use their summer job money for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who pays for their fake ID? Birth control? Weed dealer?

clearly they do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

NP. You said she "often" had to order UberEats in your original post. Now you say she ate in the dining hall 99% of the time and only ordered it as "an odd occasion here and there." Which is it?

jeez louise had to go find my original post, ok so I used the word often, I didn't really mean "often" it happened a few times, mostly around finals. over a whole year, I could count on two hands how often. Sorry for my sloppy typing hahah

Now you just look weak, stop trying to justify yourself to these weirdos...you did nothing wrong, their ire and outrage is hyperbolic nonsense from socially challenged individuals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will probably give mine $100 on her account for laundry, vending & occasional school cafe and another $100 for off-campus groceries for the semester.
She is on a full meal plan and has some flex dollars as a part of that account. I will make sure she is stocked to begin with.
Bus transit is free w/ student ID, no need for Uber unless she wants to
If she wants to dine out or buy clothes, she can pay for that with summer earnings. She already does. I will make sure she has some base wardrobe on me.
If her account is low, I can always help out.
If there is something she needs that is a necessity (health stuff, cleaning, toiletries, groceries), I can always transfer to her account, or she can order on my Amazon/Target if needed.
Books are covered by her FA.

I just don't get the $200/$250/mo allowances if the kid has a full meal plan. Though, I suppose if you have the money....

Um do you have a kid in college yet? The food is generally terrible and dining halls close by 8 pm often. My DD Often had to order Uber eats because she had just come up for air from classes and studying and the dining halls were closed. Plus sometimes she just wanted decent food.

PP here. I'm a professor. I occasionally eat with students. I know what college food is like. Also, you have no idea what the dining hall hours are at my kid's school. That's quite presumptive (& the "Um" lead in is just annoying). If the halls are closed, my DD will pick something up rather than make it cost potentially double with uber eats. Your DD doesn't have to order uber eats or miss dining hall hours frequently. Those are life choices. Mine has summer earnings if she wants "decent eats" occasionally. That's what she does here too.

I love how you think I’m presumptuous but you know nothing about my kid, when her dining hall closes, whether or not she has a car and any health issues that may be at play.

The OP asked for opinions on what people have done. People have offered different opinions and experiences. Why do you need to start an argument?

NP. I'm the parent of a child with Crohn's disease (a health issue that requires numerous dietary modifications) and she does not have a car on campus. I would have had a convulsive fit of laughter if she told me she HAD to have extra money because she HAD to order Uber Eats instead of going to the dining hall. She eats at the dining hall like pretty much every other student...not at a school known for particularly good food, I'll add, and she has done just fine. Sure, there have been a few times it necessitated that she open her mouth and ask a dining hall employee to whip her up a piece of plain grilled chicken or a plain turkey burger without a bun when she didn't see any other options for protein out that would have worked for her that day...but such is life. I believe it to be part of my job as a parent, and especially as the parent of a child with chronic illness, is to teach my kid those basic self advocacy skills (which were mastered around oh, age 13) rather than have her throw her hands up and insist on throwing money away on say, Uber Eats.

Your kid is playing you, mama bear. If you want to send your kid money because she'd rather order take out than eat at the dining hall that's one thing, and...I guess no shame if that's what you WANT to do. But I just have to guffaw at the idea that any college student NEEDS Uber Eats because their schedule is just sooo busy that they can't possibly make it to the dining hall before 8pm. What did those poor poor college students do...oh...a decade ago before food delivery apps were widespread?

(Besides, for the vast majority of students -- my daughter included-- and myself for that matter, back in the day-- eating at the dining hall with classmates/floormates/friends is an integral, FUN part of the college experience. Sure, the food at most places isn't gourmet, but it's not really about the quality of the food...the camaraderie that takes place while sharing meals and interacting at the dining hall has always played a major role in facilitating the bonds and "college experience" that lead to happy students and alumni. I would feel really, really sad thinking about my kid missing out on all that bonding and community in favor of eating Uber Eats in her dorm or the library at 8:30pm.)

agan for the folks in the back, i am the person whose (GASP) said her daughter has used Ubereats a few times. I never ever said she was doing it every day. It was an odd occasion here and there. Yes she went to the dining hall 99% of the time and no she didn't miss out on any dorm hall bonding. In fact most of the times she did order, it was with friends on the hall. But if you think she's playing me... well that is your problem. I told her this year, since she worked all summer and has a kitchen and a car at school now, that i will not pay for delivery, but I will give her money for groceries since I am not paying for a dining plan this year.

Don't have to justify yourself one bit, the vast majority of parents are just like you. Some of these people, especially the one who wrote the post above are simply odd and they can't help themselves. They are people that have social issues and coming on to an anonymous forum and berating people for things they would never get away with in real life is a thing for them. Sad and pathetic but just imagine what it's like being their kid? Let them eat Ramen!

Hmmm. Sounds like the same poster again pretending to be an "ally."