How much money does a college student need?

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES A COLLEGE STUDENT NEED EVERY MONTH? This question became a hot topic of discussion online after a female student complained that her mother refused her request of a 4,500 yuan ($629) monthly allowance. China Daily writer Zhang Zhouxiang comments:

The most liked comment on micro blog is:"The monthly expense of a student depends on the income of his/her parents. Do not over-exploit your parents, they are already doing the best for you." Which sounds reasonable, but the question is: Why should a college student's monthly expense depend on his or her parents' income? Shouldn't that depend on his/her own income instead?

Unlike their counterparts in developed countries who pay for their tuition in college, the majority of college students in China depend on their family for everything, from tuition to living expenses.