Congratulations, you are a poor, struggling, college student!

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By Ashley McClung

Congratulations, freshmen! You now poor, struggling college students! Unfortunately, it isn’t just a figure of speech. For most students, freshman year is their first experience being “on their own,” and for most freshmen it isn’t an easy adjustment. Part time jobs usually pay too little, and apartments, gas, food, going out and even your class books all cost way too much. Luckily for you, we have a few pointers to make living on a budget a little easier.

First of all, stay out of the restaurants! As tempting as it is to call out for gourmet pasta with chicken and alfredo sauce, you can make chicken helper in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost. Stock up your pantry with super cheap items such as dried mac-n-cheese mixes, canned soup and pasta varieties (i.e. Chef Boyardee), potato flakes and, of course, the college student specialty, ramen noodles.

Adding inexpensive chicken or ground beef to any of these items will make a decent meal without breaking the bank. If you have roommates, pool your money together and shop at Sam’s for the necessities. Buying in bulk always costs less. In instances when you simply have to eat on the go, fast food dollar menus will get you the most for your money.

Now that you are eating like the poor, you just have to learn how to stay home like the poor! Then again, if you’re not into playing scrabble on Saturday nights, it’s a good thing Tigerweekly.com has a daily list of drink specials and happy hours around the Baton Rouge area! Take advantage of such specials and, with the exception of the designated driver, have a drink before leaving the house. That way you’ll need less of those expensive drinks at the bar.

You can also opt for bars and clubs that don’t have a cover charge.

Not into the club scene? Many movie theaters, bowling alleys and other venues in the city offer student discounts. Get Online or ask around to find out which ones.

Of course, spending money to eat and have fun isn’t nearly as upsetting as emptying your pockets for books and school supplies. Who knew they cost so much? To save on books, find out which ones you need before the semester starts, then search the Web for the best deal you can find. They will take longer to come in, but the savings are often worth the wait.

Also, keep an eye out for posts on campus bulletin boards. Many students will offer a good deal on their old books. For the rest of your supplies, swallow your pride and check out the dollar stores. They’re pens and notebooks. Do they really need to be in style?

Finally, take advantage of being an LSU student! LSU has agreements with Cox and AT&T that will get you discounted Internet services and 400 free text messages a month. You can find details on these discounts through your PAWS account, along with a link to “TigerWare” which allows you to download computer software for free.

When you’re not feeling well, the Student Health Center offers medical services and prescriptions at lower rates than outside physicians and retailers. Price of gas going up again? Go to lsu.edu/publicsafety to find out if you live on the LSU bus route.

Being a poor, struggling freshman is tough, but keep in mind that you’re doing it now so you won’t be a poor, struggling, unemployed adult later!

Originally Published: Issue 701 - August 19, 2008

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