Our parents’ investments have probably been shrinking with the rest of the economy and I’m betting many adults are just as nervous as seniors are about whether they’ll have a job this time next year.

Times are tough outside the college bubble, but what about inside? Is there a significant “trickle-down” effect occurring or are students in denial while the rest of the world is learning how to budget?

In true Palin-esque style, a few of my friends claim that they’ve single-handedly kept the economy kicking, though others have admitted to reining in their personal spending.

College Senior Meredith Fineman said that she and her friends go out to fewer expensive dinners and emphasize pre-gaming over spending money on drinks at clubs. She visits discount sites like Gilt Groupe, ideeli and bluefly for shopping and “borrows dresses for date parties instead of buying them.”

Similarly, Wharton and Engineering Senior Andrea Biernat said that because there are so many sales going on, “Buying something full price seems like a waste.”

And while studying abroad may seem like the perfect ticket out of this country’s mess, the weak dollar may only buy you a scoop of gelato for dinner. College Junior Tracy Dubb, studying in Rome for the semester, said she has adjusted her spending habits. “We cook dinner almost every night instead of eating out, walk everywhere rather than cab, and never ever shop,” she said.

A recent New York Times article discussed the way our consumer-driven society has responded to these penny-pinching times. Surprise, surprise, public relation firms have found a way to make the recession “chic.” Meet the “recessionista,” a recession-chic movement that allows the style savvy to rationalize spending because with lowered prices, you’re just getting more bang for your buck, right?

For the first time since perhaps the Great Depression, America is glorifying a culture of thrift over excess.

I find it rather accommodating. Finally, corporate America is embracing the reality of our country’s thinning wallets and adjusting their approach in response.

As for us college kids, looks like many of us have embraced the “recession chic” movement. I like to think of it as a baby step towards the ominous “cut-off” from the parents.

For the rest of you, I say… keep shopping while you can.

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