Students spend millions for fun

Whereas households contributed R1.86trn to consumer spening, students have increased their share from R33m to R39.5m in a year.

A large portion of the students' money (78%) came from parents and other relatives. About a quarter of their income was earned from part-time work and 18% came from bursaries and sponsors.

The Student Village study in May and June was based on the responses of 681 students aged between 18 and 24.

Student Village's chief executive Ronen Aires said the survey would help companies improve their marketing to students.

"Clothing, retailing and fashion are high value drivers for students and with this knowledge marketers can target their efforts correctly," Aires said.

Where the money goes

About 30% of students' money is spent on rent, followed by food and groceries, which at R556 a month, is about 16% of their R3,510 monthly expenditure.

At least R254 is spent on entertainment and R250 on alcohol.

Students spent about R128 a month on contraceptives.

Student Village director Marc Kornberger said female students spent 9% more on contraceptives than their male counterparts.

"This has increased significantly from 2010, when male students spent more on contraceptives," Kornberger said.

LoveLife public relations and campaigns manager Zenaida Martin said: "Many young South African women still feel that the responsibility for avoiding pregnancy rests largely with them.

"So they are most likely spending money on contraceptives for themselves and their partners," she said.

Where the money goes:

• Black students spent more on toiletries and cosmetics, take-away meals, gadgets and extra tuition;
• White students spent more on food, groceries, holiday travel, entertainment and alcohol;

• Coloured students spent more on cigarettes, bling, magazines, clothing and footwear.

Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge