This study identified and classify the phenomenon of student purchasing behavior during the pandemic, which falls into the category of excessive consumption due to their lack of financial literacy and the presence of e-commerce, which offers numerous attractive offers, giving them the opportunity to become uncontrollable consumers without proper financial planning. This study used a phenomenological approach and determines students from five private universities in Medan City as key informants capable of providing concrete information in response to this research question. The study’s results revealed students become more consumptive during pandemics, and that learning conditions at home with technology increase their likelihood of accessing social media, which leads to e-commerce, which offers many online shopping promotions. They spend irresponsibly, to the point where they can’t even keep count of how much money they spent in a single month during the pandemic. Some even claimed to be in debt as a result of the payment deferral feature offered by e-commerce, which allows them to continue purchasing the desired product. They lack financial preparation and are unaware of the dangers associated with the presence of e-commerce if not accompanied by common sense while making a purchase. We require further attention and assistance from the government and educational institutions, as well as parental support, in order to educate pupils about financial literacy in order to attain a prosperous future life.