The luxury items, costing more than 1,000 yuan, seem shockingly decadent for a dependent student.

Liu, a third-year Hangzhou university student, explains: "I don't want to be looked down upon. Decent make-up could increase my chances of being employed."

Liu is not alone. Increasing numbers of fashion-driven student consumers are spending far beyond the limits of living expenses, and over-consumption is becoming a big concern.

Big-spending students are "investing" their money in both study-related items and travel, phones or entertainment.

University of International Business and Economics student Tan Wei spent his 4,700 yuan living expenses on a computer early this semester.

Tan's spending is intended to "facilitate study" but many students fall into a second group.

Fashionable clothes and brand-name cosmetics claim the lion's share of consumer spending by some girls. Although high-spenders account for only a fraction of the student body, their monthly budgets can be shockingly high. Liu, for instance, spends around 1,000 yuan every month buying accessories.

Mobile phones are considered indispensable by many students, too.

Beijing University of Science and Technology third-year student Qiao Hao said that 28 out of 35 of his classmates own portable phones. He spent 2,500 yuan on his phone early this year and the monthly bills can reach over 200 yuan.

According to a recent survey by China Youth Studies magazine, average annual spending (tuition not included) by a college student is 8,384 yuan, ranging from 18,500 to just 2,100.

The survey found that the primary source of money for 92.7 percent was family; over 70 percent of their spending is covered by family money. Some students also take tutoring jobs or other part-time work to cover the gap.

The survey also found that over 60 percent were spending a lot on girlfriends or boyfriends.

Around eight percent of campus lovers receive funds from parents while 85 percent say their living expense funds are used on their partners.

Education experts are concerned about this over-spending phenomenon, which seems to be driven by fashion and peer pressure. "Students from well-off families don't need to show off by buying luxurious items. And less well-off students should not feel self-abased and vie with their colleagues," said Zhou Hongli, student instructor of Hangzhou University of Commerce.

"Instead they should cultivate healthy consumer ideas and try not to follow excessive spending trends," Zhou said.

(China Daily HK Edition August 9, 2002)