No money? No problem! Just a few hacks for keeping within the college budget…
Situation: It’s your friend’s birthday and you want to be thoughtful… but that usually comes at a price.Solution: No need to buy a nice gift card or piece of jewelry- keep it personal and creative. A simple card, bouquet of flowers, or picture frame will do the trick…and under $10. Even something homemade! Get crafty and try a DIY gift.
Situation: You’re dying to have a movie night, but movie tickets are $10.75 each in Fairfield…and don’t forget about the cost of a cab.Solution: Head to the library and check out a movie. The DiMenna-Nyselius library has hundreds to choose from!
Situation: Applications for next year’s housing are due soon and haven’t committed to your roommate(s) yet.Solution: The more people who live in a room with you, the cheaper your dorm costs will be because you’ll limit spending on cleaning supplies, a television, rugs, and more!
Situation: With spring break coming up you need a ride home, but the cost of the train is over fifty dollars- just one way.Solution: Carpool! Don’t know anyone in your area? Post on a Facebook group or to a bulletin board about needing a ride. (Just make sure you help your driver with the cost of gas!)
Situation: Your food bill is really adding up, and eating out is out of the question…Solution: Coordinate schedules with your roommates and each plan a night to cook dinner. By switching off on who has to buy the pricey vegetables, you don’t have to compromise on purchasing healthy foods.
Situation: You’re so excited to do something fun over spring break, but you can’t afford that flight to Florida.Solution: Look into community service trips that offer scholarships. Service trips can take you anywhere in the country, so do your research and save on flights if you buy tickets with a group.