There are many myths that most people believe when they come to college. One myth is that college is a big orgy. It’s not. Another myth is that all everyone ever does is drink and party. That also isn’t true. However, one college stereotype that seems to be painfully true is the idea of the poor college student. From the failing economy and the late night calzone binging to the trips to the Oakdale Mall, it’s now more important than ever to be thrifty with spending.
Going Downtown is probably the average college kid’s biggest expense — outside of tuition itself. From pre-gaming, transportation and bar covers to the munchies later in the night, nights out can run upwards of $60 a pop.
“I’ve spent way too much money Downtown,” Sean Heller, a junior computer science major, said. “I don’t even know how, but I’ll wake up the next day with an empty wallet. It sucks.”
When you factor in multiple nights with that kind of spending, you’re looking at bank overdraws and large minimum payments due on that ‘just in case of emergency’ credit card.
So how do you save money but still have a good time? Here’s how:
1. Pregame: If you go out sober you’ll spend a lot more money trying to catch up to your hammered friends. Plus, how much fun is it being the only sober person in a room full of crazy drunks?
2. OCC Bus: Take the Blue Bus Downtown instead of a cab. You’ll save $3 bucks on the cab, and you’re being environmentally and economically responsible!
3. Research: Yeah, researching sucks when it’s school work, but when you’re studying drink specials it’s more tolerable. Often times different bars will have specials depending on which day it is. JT’s has 10-cent beer night on Tuesdays. The Rat has 50-cent beer nights. If you plan accordingly, you could legitimately go Downtown for under $5!
4. People, let me tell you ‘bout my best friend: Just because you made your way to the bar doesn’t mean you’re buying drinks for everyone around, especially people you don’t know. Try not to be so friendly with your cash. It’s easier said than done, yes, but you’ll be thankful the next morning when you realize you didn’t spend $35 on people you don’t remember. Timothy Rugile, a junior biology major said he’s been that guy.
“I’ve spent money on people I’ve never met before,” Rugile said. “I never knew how generous I could be.”
5. Please leave home without it: Don’t bring out your debit card or, worse, your credit card. You’ll just be tempted to take out more money when someone screams, “Let’s do a Scorpion Bowl!” Also limit the amount of money you go Downtown with. If it’s there, you’ll probably spend it. If you have access to money, you’ll probably use it. Make sure to have cab fare.
6. My love don’t cost a thang: Girls, stop making your boyfriends pay for everything Downtown. Yes, being treated is fun, but you’re probably putting a huge strain on his wallet (which could negatively affect your next anniversary present). Plus, you’re giving girls who don’t leech off their boyfriends bad names. (This goes vice versa for girls who pay for their boyfriends all the time.)
7. Curb your drunk munchies: Everyone wants D.P. Dough or Adriano’s, or whatever knows what when you get back from drinking. Try and have some restraint and don’t order everything on the menu.
“I’ve spent more on pizza after being Downtown than on drinks,” Elise McKenna, a junior psychology major said. “People never pay you back, but they have no problem eating it.” Instead, make sure you’re stocked up on microwavable meals. They’re cheaper and when you’re drunk, they’re just as delicious.