What I Spent Last Month

Tuition is just the start when it comes to university expenses. Three undergrads reveal where their money goes.

- Andrea Yu

Winnie Yu, 19
University of Waterloo, architectural studies

I GREW UP IN WINNIPEG but I wanted to go to university in a bigger city. I visited Montreal and loved how European it felt, so I applied to McGill. I studied computer science at first, but I didn't really like the math and computer science courses, so I switched to psychology in my second year.

My parents have an RESP for me, but it only covers half of my tuition and living expenses—I took out a $20,000 student loan to cover the rest. My parents are paying back most of the loan, but I'm also working part-time to help out. Last summer, I worked about 20 hours a week at Bikini Village in Winnipeg, earning $15.30 an hour. I also do virtual English tutoring for a family friend's kid in China for an hour once a week, which pays $20.

Rent: $1,270

I share a three-bedroom apartment with two roommates. We picked this spot because it's right downtown and only a 15-minute walk to school. The rent is a little high—my boyfriend lives a 30-minute metro ride away and he only pays $820—but I think it's worth living here for the convenience.

Groceries: $190