Last summer my dad took me to set up my own bank account. I remember feeling very mature after I deposited all the money I had saved up, and I walked out with a brand new debit card and a checkbook with my name on it. My first step towards independence was complete. At the time I wasn’t considering that I was now responsible for my own expenses.
After being at college for a full semester I am now well aware of that responsibility and how hard it is to manage. If there’s one thing I have learned it’s that money certainly does not grow on trees, especially not at Georgetown. Now I understand why Georgetown students are such fanatics for free merchandise.
As a freshman I wasn’t expecting to worry about money. Yet, halfway through the semester I realized how quickly I was burning through money. Where was it all going?! I think you’d be surprised once you realize how many different things require you to take out your wallet. First, there’s food. Nights out at Georgetown get pretty pricey, even if you do swipe back into Leo’s after just for the ice cream. But who can resist a nice dinner out with friends on the weekend? Not to mention daily coffee runs, birthday celebrations with Georgetown Cupcakes, and trips to Hoya Snaxa to get your snack fix. Those are necessary parts of a college diet. Needlessly to say, food can become a dangerously expensive commodity.
Then there’s transportation. Between taxis in DC traffic and Metro passes, getting around adds up. Beware of the sneaky cab drivers who purposefully take you the long way. Then there are other odds and ends like club dues, ventures into the bookstore, (Georgetown apparel is a requirement for true Hoyas) sending packages to friends, and tickets to various speakers and events. None of this is cheap my friends. But, as my mom always jokes when we come back from a shopping spree, somebody has to keep the economy going! While we’re on the subject, if you are a shopaholic I highly recommend you get treatment before coming to Georgetown. M Street is a shopper’s paradise. Basically, dollar signs surround you. I remember being outraged when my high school raised the prices of muffins from 40 to 50 cents. Now, I would give anything for that kind of deal!
I’ve never had a knack for math. How many Georgetown girls does it take to determine a tip? Answer: None, they use a tip calculator. So if I can’t even figure out a tip, you can imagine how easy it is for me lose track of the amount of money I spend. This semester I’m trying harder. My advice is to try and make smart choices with your money. Keep an eye out for opportunities to save a few dollars here and there. Try to take the Metro instead of cabbing or if you do, share it, or even better yet when boys offer to pay – politely accept! Savor your flex dollars, go to half-price Qdoba Monday’s, and capitalize on all free offers. Most of all, keep track of how much you’re spending. You don’t want to have to make that call to your parents asking for more money. I’ve also learned not to disregard the endless amounts of change I get. Cheesy as it sounds I started a little piggy bank for myself. The jar is pretty heavy now so I’m really excited to cash it all in at the end of the year.
So despite Jessie J’s advice, you can’t always “forget about the price tag.” Good luck being cost-conscious Hoyas!
XOXO,
Hoya Saxa
Georgetown Freshman Survival Tip #7: Keep an eye out for student discounts. You’d be surprised how many places have them. From J. Crew to Amtrak, you can save a lot of money just by showing your GoCard. You’ve only got four years of college so take advantage of your student status while you can!
Also, for more info on how to manage your finances check out Common $ense monthly financial literacy panels to learn how to manage your money, and much more!Â
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