In celebration of major events or accomplishments.

Getting into college, graduating high school, getting that college degree, or even getting an A on that difficult final all warrant a celebration of spending money – on a party, on dinner, or other new items.

Moving on campus or off campus.

Moving into a dorm or apartment and buying all of the essentials – furniture, comforter, kitchen supplies, etc.

To eat (and drink).

Consumers eat at least 3 times a day, 7 days a week and college students are no different. Combine all the late night cravings after spending money on drinks at the bar, and the money they spend adds up fast.

To be more confident.

Products like clothing or makeup tend to increase self-esteem. Back to school shopping would be incomplete without a completely new wardrobe to display to all of campus.

To start a new behavior.

Going to the gym and buying new workout clothes or eating healthy at home in order to shed the Freshman 15. Taking up a new hobby or quitting an old one often results in spending money.

To replace something.

College students live for that next phone upgrade or dread the day their computer spontaneously breaks down.

To experience.

College students would rather spend money on experiences than physical products – which means they cherish the moments they have either at a concert like Coachella or traveling more than buying a tangible item.

To fill a void.

Whether it be an empty wall above the couch, a distraction from something else going on in life, college students buy to make themselves feel better.

To save time.

Ordering something on Amazon Prime to get that one-day online shipping, buying a coffee maker to make mornings more productive or easier or buying access pass theme park tickets, college students do not like to waste their time, and prefer to buy something quick and easy.

Treat themselves.

College students like to buy sometimes just because – as a treat to themselves.