THE INCOME-EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A MEASURE ON DEGREE OF IMPORTANCE OF EXPENDITURE ITEMS

Abstract

The objectives of this study are; i) to identify students’ expenditure pattern; ii) to determine students’ expenditure level and expenditure composition of total income and finally, iii) to measure the degree of importance of the expenditure items. A total of 301 university students participated in this study. The instrument used for data collection is a questionnaire set, which is constructed by using Google form and is distributed through link sharing. The data are analysed by using SPSS version 23 software. The findings of the analyses documented, the average (calculated) income level of the students is RM539.70. For expenditure pattern analysis, students allocate the highest amount of money on Foods & Beverages and Accommodation. These two items are considered as the most important items than others in the list. A moderate amount of money (RM50-RM80) is allocated for items 3 (Stationery), 4 (Transportation), 10 (Personal Goods) and least amount of money is allocated for the rest of items. The analysis on the Degree of Importance of Expenditure Items provides indication Foods & Beverages, and Accommodation again is ranked as the most (Very) important expenditure items to the university student. Other items are in the ranking of Important and Moderately Important items. With an average (calculated) income level equals to RM539.70, the expenses for the main two items (Foods & Beverages and Accommodation) totalled up RM498.61 or is 92. 39% of the overall income. Following the priority ranking, the leftover of RM41 may be allocated either for internet or for other necessity items. The overall findings lead us to conclude, the university students’ income is relatively low and barely meet the self-sufficiency level. In assisting and enhancing the challenging life of a university student, the authorities need to further investigate and diagnose the issue; and restructuring on the value of loan provision for university students is necessary if needed.