As the fall semester comes into full swing here at Boston College, new connections are beginning to blossom. Friends go out to concerts, clubs, and galavant around the city each weekend, leaving some students wondering: How do I keep up?

When asked about weekend life at BC, Madeleine Pratomo, CSON ‘30, expressed that “Everything costs money, and it’s hard to do anything socially without spending money.” Forming and maintaining friendships at college, especially at a private school like BC, can be extremely difficult on a budget. “Because of BC’s location in Boston, a lot of social activities mean having to go off campus for everything,” Pratomo adds.

Every plan and event has a price tag, whether that’s seeing Noah Kahan for $800 or paying $30 just to Uber back from Scoop N Scootery. “There’s so much pressure to keep up with it all,” says Mia Barbieri, CSOM ‘30, “and it adds up really quickly.” For students who can’t afford to participate as often, hanging back can start to feel like the only option. Over time, repeatedly turning down invitations can make students feel disconnected from friends, even when they were never intended to be excluded. 

Without even realizing it, these limitations can create barriers between us, forcing some students to miss out on making meaningful connections and getting the “college experience.” Missing one event may not seem significant, but constantly saying no because of price setbacks makes it harder to feel like part of the group.

Despite our assumptions, not all students have the same amount of “spending money,” even if they attend the same college; what feels like an inconsequential $50 for one person may set another back for days. They may feel torn between wanting to be included and staying financially responsible.

Be forgiving of your friends who say they want to spend a night in without the extra costs. Instead of only suggesting plans that involve spending, try opting for a movie night in the dorm or late-night at The Rat. 

Making college feel inclusive for everyone can be as simple as making sure expensive plans aren’t the only way students spend time together. At the end of the day, the true friendships that you make at BC should never come with a mandatory price tag.

Lane Vanderbeck

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