No Need to Overthink It: An Overview of Student Living Costs in Bogor
The cost of living in Bogor is often a concern for prospective IPB University students from other regions. However, there is no need to worry too much. Monthly expenses for students in Bogor are still relatively affordable, especially with proper management.
Hafizh Purnama Putra, a student in the Development Economics Program at IPB University, class of 59 (2022), shared an overview of his monthly expenses while studying in Bogor.
He said that student living expenses range from Rp950.000 to Rp1,5 million per month, depending on lifestyle and choice of accommodation. Hafizh himself admitted that his average monthly expenses are around IDR 950.000. “The breakdown is Rp950.000 for food, Rp100.000 for internet, and Rp100.000 for other expenses,” he said.
“For my friends who live in dorms, the cost of standard dorms around IPB ranges from Rp500.000 to Rp850.000 per month,” he explained.
Regarding accommodation, Hafizh considers himself fortunate. For almost three years, he has lived in the Rumah Sigap Armada scholarship housing. He only pays Rp100.000 per month, which includes electricity, water, and Wi-Fi.
In addition to Rumah Sigap Armada, there are a number of similar student dormitories around the IPB campus, including Pondok Inspirasi Dormitory, Rumah Quran, Global Leadership Dormitory, Minang Dormitory, and Rumah Inisiatif.
IPB University also provides several dormitory options managed by the IPB Student Dormitory Management Unit (UPAMI), including the PKU Student Dormitory (freshman) at the Dramaga Campus with a fee of Rp2.000.000 per year, intended for first-year students, especially recipients of KIP-K scholarships and affirmative action.
There is also the Leadership Dormitory, which can be occupied by students from the second year onwards, consisting of the Male Leadership Dormitory (Rp2.000.000 per year) and the Female Leadership Dormitory (Rp1.600.000 per year). Selection is based on academic achievement and leadership potential. In addition, there are dormitories outside Dramaga, such as Felicia, Ekasari, and Sukasari, with an average cost of IDR 150.000 per month as an alternative to living on the main campus.
Food Costs
In terms of consumption, Hafizh estimates that daily food costs range from IDR 25.000 to IDR 35.000. When accumulated, monthly food expenses can reach IDR 750.000 to IDR 1 million, depending on frequency and menu choices.
For transportation, he relies on a motorcycle with fuel expenses of around Rp30.000 per week or Rp120.000 per month. However, according to him, students without vehicles can save more by using the free campus bus.
In addition to basic needs, there are also additional expenses such as hanging out, organization funds, and online shopping for small necessities. “A month might cost Rp200.000,” he said.
Hafizh shared several strategies to reduce expenses. He advised students who live in boarding houses with kitchen facilities to cook their own meals and buy monthly necessities at the supermarket. “Also buy a box of noodles, to stave off sudden hunger,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of carefully choosing food. “You also have to be smart in finding meals under Rp15.000. If it’s above Rp15.000, you have to sacrifice your next meal by finding something cheaper,” he explained.
Additionally, students can seek part-time jobs aligned with their skills, such as being an MC, moderator, speaker, or content creator. Participating in events that provide meals can also help save on daily food expenses, he noted.
In conclusion, with proper planning and a simple lifestyle, living expenses for students in Bogor can still be managed without overthinking. (Fj) (IAAS/KQA)
