A Study on Student Budgeting and Spending Behavior among the College Students in Chennai City

Abstract This research examines the budgeting and spending habits of college students in Chennai, India. The study aims to understand the financial decision-making processes, spending patterns, and budgeting strategies employed by students in higher education institutions within the city. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with a sample of 100 college students from various disciplines and institutions in Chennai. Data collection focuses on students' income sources, expenditure categories, saving habits, and financial management techniques. The study concludes by highlighting the need for enhanced financial education programs in colleges and universities. It also recommends the development of user-friendly budgeting tools tailored to the specific needs of college students in Chennai. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of youth financial behavior in urban India and can inform policy decisions related to student financial support and education.