Let’s Get Fiscal

graphic by nina bridges

Saving money in college is a lot harder than it looks. We’re all out here trying to live that champagne lifestyle, but the fact of the matter is, we can’t even afford a pitcher at DJ’s, and we steal cartons of almond milk from the dining hall on a daily basis.

Yes, even though we took Accounting 101 freshman year and we’re practically experts, we are not here to tell you how to spend your money. Instead, we’re going to give you some tips on how not to spend your money. 

It’s so easy and so sad to watch those funds you earned doing mind-numbing work for your evil boss all summer slowly begin to dwindle at an alarming pace until there’s nothing left. But, you have to remember: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. 

First thing’s first, do not, under any circumstances, go to DJs when the cover is $20. Just don’t. Freshman, there will be other nights, we promise. It smells bad, there are no toilet seats, and we’re all getting broker by the week which means Brad probably isn’t going to buy you that drink. If you just cannot resist that irresistible je ne sais quoi about DJ’s, and you’re really dead set on that pitcher of vodka Redbull, at least get there early to avoid a higher cover.  

Although you can blow through a lot of money at the Marshall street bars if you’re not careful, the largest chunk of our change probably goes towards food. Let’s face it, the food here is pitiful at best and entirely inedible at worst. Just because the dining hall is, well, pathetic, doesn’t mean you and your credit card should be frequenting Marshall Street, Grubhub, Tapingo, or Uber Eats. Instead, take a quick trip to the back of Ernie, grab a box of Amy’s mac n cheese, and pop it in the microwave. Or, if you really need that Pumpkin Spice Latte for it to officially feel like fall, make the pilgrimage to west campus for the Starbucks that actually accepts your SU dollars. 

Better yet, eat at faculty. For anyone who is not aware of this hidden gem, there’s a restaurant in the upstairs of the Goldstein Faculty Center where students are allowed to eat. They serve Pastabilities bread with the tomato oil and they take your student ID as a form of payment. What more could we possibly ask for. 

The broke college stereotype exists for a reason, but follow these tips and tricks of the trade and maybe, just maybe, you can stretch your dollar a little further.