My sister just called. She said her son has only been at university for a little over twenty days and is already asking for more money. Even 1,500 yuan a month isn't enough.

Fifteen hundred isn't really that much. I saw a survey saying university students now spend an average of more than 1,700 yuan a month. Ten years ago it was only around 1,200.

It's gone up that much? My sister always says 300 yuan was enough when she was young, so she thinks her son is wasting money.

Cafeteria prices aren't what they used to be. Three meals a day can easily cost more than 30 yuan, so food alone comes to about 1,000 yuan a month.

And what about phone bills, printing study materials, and buying birthday gifts for classmates? Those cost money too.

Exactly. It all adds up. You can't expect the kid to stay in his dorm every day and never socialize with his classmates.

Then I'll tell her not to fix the amount once and for all. She should have him keep track of his expenses first and then discuss it with him.

That's the best way. Otherwise, mother and son will just keep arguing over this money.