A less-than-full wallet is no longer a problem to write home to mom and dad about. Living on a budget requires planning and thinking outside the box.
Entertainment
Planning, inexpensive outings help students financially stay on track
From movies to dances, MSU provides its students with amusing alternatives to nonstop partying. The best part? Most of these events come at no charge.
“These events are made by students, for students,” advertising and public relations junior Jessica Hoffman said.
Hoffman is the business coordinator for the University Activities Board, or UAB.
Late-night events happen every Friday and Saturday, Hoffman said. If the activities are not free for students, almost all events are less than $10, she said.
Engineering no-preference freshman Pat Polzin attended UAB event “Sizzling Salsa Fest,” which was held Sept. 18 at the Union. The event offered students free salsa, Bachata and Merengue lessons.
“This is out of the ordinary and accessible,” he said. “Any night you want you can try something new.”
The cost — or lack thereof — also was an incentive, Polzin said.
“I pay for my own college. (“Sizzling Salsa Fest”) is free. I would have to pay for something like this back home,” he said.
To find out about events, be on the lookout for tabletop advertisements and posters plastered around campus, or check out the events calendar at lansinglowdown.com.
Sustenance
When living off campus, budgeting money for food can be tricky. Planning ahead can keep your budget intact.
Make a list before heading to the store. If possible, consolidate lists with roommates.
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A cheap way to satisfy cravings is to make a simple but tasty meal that only requires a few items. Visit Web sites, such as yumyum.com/student, that give recipes for the busy college lifestyle.
If you live in the dorms, taking advantage of that plan is the key to saving money. Most cafeterias have flexible hours with some open until midnight seven days a week.
Extras
It’s hard to walk down Grand River Avenue without stopping into one of the many shops.
Economics professor Carl Liedholm said using a credit card can lead to big problems.
“Students tend to think the credit card enables them to consume things more than their income. Then your credit card interest goes up and issues can arise,” he said.
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The best way to stay on track is a debit card, which deducts the money straight out of your account without interest, he said.
