Spring Break
Pinch pennies like a pro
Madeline Ward
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Focus
With the economy still stumbling and tuition bills filling the mailbox, students are looking for ways to spend less. For those forced to cut back on their spending, there are many opportunities to save. Local merchants are uncertain of how much students will be spending in the coming months with rising food costs and the ever-fluctuating price of gas.
"It may be too [early] to tell. The first weeks are always good, because everyone is getting back together with friends, so they are still buying flowers," said Barbara Sunmark, owner of Campus Florist. "It is pretty hard to say at this point."
Make a Plan
Students should make a list of what they are going to buy and how much they want to buy it. Setting aside a certain spending limit for impulse purchases can curb any regrettable habits early on.
Getting a savings account with one of the banks near campus can be cheaper for out-of- state students, since most of the ATMs around here have a $2.50 inquiry fee. However, if you have the right card, the costs can be waived.
"I opened up a different savings account. I try not to spend money I want to spend, I just tried to really budget and plan it all out," said Lovely Lorde, a 7th-semester political science major.
Carpool
For commuter students, carpooling is the best way. Even with different classes at different times, everyone is going to the same place. The best strategy to save for gas money is to find a student with a reliable car. If no one is available, work out a deal with a teaching assistant or even a college professor.
For those who don't know, students can ride the bus from Storrs to Willimantic for free as long as they present their UConn ID. This can be handy for anyone looking to get off campus for a short time. Just remember to check the schedule times so you don't get stranded in Thread City.
"I haven't been [affected as much]. Except for gas prices - they are very high and I am a nursing major so I have to drive [through] a lot of the school," said Suzanne Spagna, a 6th-semester nursing major, "I kind of depend on my parents for a lot of money."
"It may be too [early] to tell. The first weeks are always good, because everyone is getting back together with friends, so they are still buying flowers," said Barbara Sunmark, owner of Campus Florist. "It is pretty hard to say at this point."
Make a Plan
Students should make a list of what they are going to buy and how much they want to buy it. Setting aside a certain spending limit for impulse purchases can curb any regrettable habits early on.
Getting a savings account with one of the banks near campus can be cheaper for out-of- state students, since most of the ATMs around here have a $2.50 inquiry fee. However, if you have the right card, the costs can be waived.
"I opened up a different savings account. I try not to spend money I want to spend, I just tried to really budget and plan it all out," said Lovely Lorde, a 7th-semester political science major.
Carpool
For commuter students, carpooling is the best way. Even with different classes at different times, everyone is going to the same place. The best strategy to save for gas money is to find a student with a reliable car. If no one is available, work out a deal with a teaching assistant or even a college professor.
For those who don't know, students can ride the bus from Storrs to Willimantic for free as long as they present their UConn ID. This can be handy for anyone looking to get off campus for a short time. Just remember to check the schedule times so you don't get stranded in Thread City.
"I haven't been [affected as much]. Except for gas prices - they are very high and I am a nursing major so I have to drive [through] a lot of the school," said Suzanne Spagna, a 6th-semester nursing major, "I kind of depend on my parents for a lot of money."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Justin Barter
posted 9/08/08 @ 9:28 AM EST
As a freshman and suddenly being required to budget myself, I have started shopping through campus popular saving 'tips and tricks' websites like Unodeals for clothes, dorm stuff, gadgets, accessories to save money. (Continued…)
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