Anatomy of a student wallet

It’s that time of year - students everywhere are heading back to uni, or for some, entering those hallowed halls for the very first time, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and with no clue what they’re in for.

If you’re one of them, rest assured that you’re well on your way to becoming a functioning adult and contributing member of society, even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes.

But how do you know that this transformation from young adult to fully fledged grownup is taking place? Well, it mostly comes down to the state of your wallet.

As your wallet steadily empties, you’ll realise that those golden days when mum and dad were funding your lifestyle are behind you. Now, life is full of responsibility, self-sufficiency and a whole lot of instant noodles.

Here’s a look at how things might change, now that you’re in control of your own finances:

What your budget looks like

This is actually a pretty impressive piece of budgeting. Win for the budget calculator!

Viability of selling organs on the black market

Isn’t two kidneys a little excessive anyway? Wouldn’t you rather one kidney and a new iPhone?

What you do in the supermarket

You’ve seriously upped your grocery game lately. So what if you have to strap your 42 pack of toilet paper rolls to the roof of your car to get it home?

The importance of friends paying you back

That $5 is worth more to you than every friendship you have. After all, friendship doesn’t buy ramen.

The amount of panic a bank statement instills in you

You’ve started closing your eyes when you swipe your debit card. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.

Time it takes to spend $50

The sad thing is, it doesn’t even buy that many pizzas.

The appeal of the early bird dinner special

You’re hungry, you’re broke. See you at 4 p.m., and bring Nanna along.

Reasons you love happy hour

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

So welcome to the life of a broke student. If your financial planning is looking a little shabby (or non-existent) check out our student room for a few pointers.