I’m not going to lie, I almost spent all of my dining dollars in the first half of my first semester on campus. However, I shall defend myself. It’s easy to lose track of what you’re spending. It’s dangerously tempting to spend $15 at Xpress Lane when you’re craving a midnight snack. I can personally attest to this affliction. So when I went home for fall break and my parents asked me to check my dining dollar balance, my stomach dropped. Since then, I’ve found some very useful strategies for managing my money that I’d like to share.
Go grocery shopping
This seems self-explanatory, and for the most part, it is. But, don’t be lazy. I avoided making the 15-minute bus trip to Kroger because I didn’t feel like lugging my groceries back onto campus. If you share a similar mindset, then I hate to break it to you, but this has to change. For one, it honestly isn’t that strenuous. Maybe bring a friend, a book, or a pair of headphones for the drive to make the time pass. Maybe even walk to Kroger and get some steps in.
Budget your dining dollars
Now, I’m a petite, five-foot-tall girl who doesn’t grub at the dining halls like an athlete might. Therefore, my dining budget is very low. Since coming back from fall break, I’ve allotted myself $70 a week. This is about $10 a day, which typically buys me one meal and maybe a fruit salad. I highly recommend setting a daily or weekly budget. Also, you don’t have to spend exactly what you set aside for the day. If you happen to eat under your budget, then pocket those leftover dollars.
Meal plan
If your budget is as tight as mine, then you’ll most likely need to plan meals for breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Go grocery shopping with an idea of what you’ll want to eat for the week ahead. For example, I get a large tub of greek yogurt and a bag of frozen fruit. These two items allow me to stretch out breakfast over a number of days.
Gift cards
Since being at school, a lot of people from back home have sent me gift cards for Starbucks and Subway. Utilizing these gift cards is a great way to save money. It’s also a great way to get off of campus and explore. I’d highly suggest asking for gift cards from relatives around your birthday or the holidays because it’s a great treat.
Other Tips and tricks
Now that I’ve listed the most important strategies, here are some leftover, miscellaneous tips and tricks I have for saving money: First, buy in bulk if you can. For example, I was going to the vending machine for a Diet Coke almost every day. Now, I buy a six-pack from Kroger and store them in my fridge. This saves me a lot. Secondly, order food from the dining halls in reusable containers. This can save me around a dollar, and it’s a great way to be environmentally conscious. Lastly, routinely check your balance on Hokie Spa. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to money.
I hope you found this advice helpful. Managing my finances is completely new to me, but I think I’m navigating it pretty successfully. In the end, don’t fret and be smart. Make things fun, and ask for advice from your peers. Remember, set a budget, and check your balance.