I Thought I Was Ready…
The day Ykaie received her acceptance to the University of the Philippines Diliman was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Like every parent, I celebrated. We celebrated. After all the hard work, sleepless nights, entrance exams, and waiting, she had reached another milestone.
But after the excitement settled, reality quietly knocked on our door. Because while everyone talks about getting into college… Not many people talk about everything that comes after.
As parents, we immediately start asking ourselves questions.
- How much allowance should we give?
- How much will transportation cost?
- What about school supplies?
- Books?
- Projects?
- Lunch?
The truth is, college isn’t just about paying tuition. There are so many little expenses that slowly add up. And if you’re like me, you want to be prepared.
Tuition Isn’t the Whole Story
When people think about college expenses, tuition is usually the first thing that comes to mind. For families with children in private universities, tuition is often the biggest expense.
For us, we’re incredibly grateful that Ykaie will be attending UP Diliman, where undergraduate students currently benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which covers tuition and other school fees for eligible students at state universities.
That doesn’t mean college is free. Far from it. Even without tuition, there are still plenty of expenses that parents need to prepare for. And honestly, those were the things I hadn’t fully thought about.
Daily Allowance Adds Up
One of the first things we discussed as a family was Ykaie’s daily allowance. It isn’t just for lunch. It’s also for snacks, transportation, school requirements she may suddenly need, and the occasional coffee while studying with friends.
Even a modest daily allowance can become a significant monthly expense. And that’s before you add everything else.
Transportation Becomes Part of the Budget
College students don’t simply travel from home to school. There are days they’ll stay late for group projects. Attend organization meetings. Visit libraries. Or meet classmates to work on presentations.
Transportation costs quickly become part of everyday life.
Whether your child commutes, takes ride-hailing services occasionally, or drives, it’s worth including this in your monthly budget.
School Supplies Don’t End After High School
I used to think buying notebooks and pens was mostly an elementary and high school thing. Apparently not. College comes with its own list of expenses. Printing reports. Photocopying readings. Folders. Yellow pads. USB drives. Calculator batteries. Art materials for certain courses. And sometimes, last-minute project contributions.
None of these seem expensive on their own. But together, they can take a surprising bite out of your monthly budget.
Technology Is Practically a Necessity
These days, a reliable laptop isn’t a luxury. It’s almost a requirement. Students attend online meetings, submit assignments digitally, conduct research, and collaborate with classmates using various apps and platforms.
A stable internet connection is just as important. These are investments that support your child’s education every single day.
Food Is a Bigger Expense Than I Expected
Let’s be honest. College students get hungry. A lot. There’s lunch. Sometimes breakfast on the way to class. Snacks between lectures. Coffee during long study sessions. The occasional milk tea after exams.
As much as I’d love to believe Ykaie will always bring food from home… I also know college is part of learning independence. And yes, sometimes that includes buying fries with friends after class.
There Will Always Be Unexpected Expenses
This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned. No matter how carefully you budget, there will always be surprise expenses.
A class contribution. A department shirt. An educational trip. A replacement ID. Printing a research paper. A last-minute requirement.
College has a funny way of reminding parents to keep a little extra in the budget.
More Than the Money, It’s a New Chapter
As I prepare for this new season, I realize that college isn’t just a financial adjustment. It’s an emotional one too. I’m learning to let Ykaie make more decisions on her own. To trust her. To watch her grow into the young woman she’s becoming.
It’s exciting. A little scary. And incredibly rewarding all at the same time.
Meanwhile, Twinkle still has several years before college, and seeing these two girls at such different stages of life reminds me how quickly time really passes.
One is beginning a whole new chapter, while the other is still happily asking if we can squeeze in one more family staycation before classes get busy again.
If you’re sending your child to college soon, here’s one thing I’d tell you.
Don’t stress about having everything figured out on day one. You’ll adjust. Your child will adjust. You’ll discover what expenses matter most as the months go by. The important thing is to prepare as best you can while remembering that this journey isn’t just about paying bills.
It’s about helping your child build a future. And honestly, that’s one of the most meaningful investments we’ll ever make as parents.
When people ask how much college really costs, the answer goes beyond tuition. It’s the transportation. The daily allowance. The school supplies. The laptop. The printing. The little expenses that quietly become part of everyday student life.
As Ykaie prepares for her first year at UP Diliman, I’m reminded that every peso we spend isn’t simply an expense. It’s an investment in her dreams. And while the costs can certainly add up, watching your child take one more step toward the future they’ve worked so hard for is something you simply can’t put a price on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is college free at UP Diliman?
Eligible undergraduate students at UP Diliman benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which covers tuition and other mandatory school fees at state universities. However, families should still budget for living expenses, transportation, food, school supplies, technology, and other day-to-day costs.
How much allowance should a college student have?
The amount depends on factors like commuting distance, food costs, and personal needs. Many families start with a weekly or monthly budget and adjust it after seeing actual expenses during the first few months.
What college expenses do parents often forget?
Some commonly overlooked costs include printing and photocopying, school organization fees, project materials, internet, transportation, meals, and occasional social activities related to school.
