When I first thought about it, it seemed impossible to go through a week without spending more than $20. We have gas to pay, groceries to buy and a slew of hidden costs that add up in our bank accounts. However, if we all can learn to live on a much simple budget now, it will be easier to follow it later in our lives. College students are notorious for being broke and up for a challenge, so I say we take up the offer and increase our innate ability to survive in this recession-led economy. Here are 10 tips that will help you make it on $20 a week.
1. Memorize the bus schedule and use the bus to go to any destination you need to go, whether it’s on or off campus. You should also probably thank Harrisonburg for offering this free public transportation to all JMU students.
2. Carrying a Tupperware container or plastic bag with you at all times is essential. Saving extra food at D-Hall or leftovers from the following day will ensure that you will not go hungry for awhile.
3. Attend any club meetings that advertise free food for the week and fill your plate until you can eat no more. You will become more knowledgeable about events happening around campus and you will interact with more people.
4. Instead of hitting up the Regal Cinemas and paying $10 for a movie ticket, go to Grafton on campus and watch the featured movies for only $2.50.
5. If you have a dining plan, stick to it and use it to its fullest advantage. Do not waste any punches and try to eat at all-you-can-eat dining halls such as D-Hall to get the most bang out of your buck.
6. Use cheap staples such as rice, beans, pasta and ramen noodles to help feed you on days that your dining plan does not cover. One meal that you can cook could last up to a week.
7. Use as much help as you can through friends and family, whether it’s getting free rides to the grocery store or stocking up on mom’s cooked food to freeze for later.
8. If you decide to go out, hit up places that do not require an expensive cover fee, such as free house parties. In addition, look for free student events that are happening around campus on Friday and Saturday nights.
9. Dollar Stores, Plato’s Closet and Sharp Shopper should become your next best friends. They offer huge discounts on cleaning products, clothing and food items that are usually double the cost at other huge retailer stores.
10. Otherwise, money should be used only in dire emergencies such as physical health altercations or during safety hazards.
-Sarah Hasnain
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