Even with the nation’s economy slowly getting better everyone is still feeling the pinch, including college students. There are a few money saving tips that can help any poor, college student keep a couple of extra dollars in their bank account and help avoid that dreaded phone call to mom and dad for more money.

    With the semester half over, many Wolfbucks accounts are quickly dwindling something that can start happening to student’s bank accounts. An easy way to avoid expensive on-campus prices, fast food alternatives and expensive dinners off-campus is to go grocery shopping.

Groceries can allow you to make multiple meals at the same price that one meal could cost at a restaurant. In addition to keeping money in your bank account, it can also help you lose a few extra pounds on your waistline. Grocery shopping can encourage you to buy healthier options instead of another cheeseburger from the $1 menu.    

    Take advantage of free meals on campus. Most meetings and events entice people to come to their events with the offer of free food. Who knows, you may even be inclined to become more involved with the organization that is holding the event or possibly meet your new best friend. Not only is this a great way to save money but you can also save gas money driving to an off-campus alternative.

    Walking and taking the streetcar are also great ways to cut back on money spent at the gas pump. There are many places close to campus that are within safe walking distance. But just remember that it is never safe to walk alone at night. The $1.25 ride on a streetcar is a great way to go downtown without having to pay for a cab. This will also avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot or a $40 parking ticket.

    Nightly partying in college can quickly become expensive as bar tabs can start to add up. One way to lower you tab is to “pre-game.” Alcohol is cheaper at a grocery or liquor store than it is in bars. Drinking at your home before you go out can almost guarantee you will not spend as much, if any, on drinks once you go out.

Take advantage of drink specials. In New Orleans, where alcohol flows freely, there is a drink special every night. This is a great way to pinch a couple of pennies while still having a fun night out.

    Try to avoid expensive alcohol. College is not always the time to try and live the high life. Sticking with cheaper alternatives can save you money and have the same results.

    Looking for something to wear for your night out but have realized that you have worn every possible outfit five times or that nothing fits anymore? Then take your clothes to a clothing resale shop. These stores buy your used clothes from you and offer a great selection to choose from to restock your closet. Also avoid impulse shopping. If a new pair of $70 jeans that you found at the mall fits you just right but is to tight for your budget then put them down. 

    Also, avoid opening credit card accounts at stores. While the 15 percent off may sound appealing you can quickly charge up that bill and one late payment means an increase in your interest rate.

    Living away from home and off-campus means you now have to pay your own bills, which can quickly add up. The New Orleans heat can sometimes be unbearable, but a $300 energy bill can be just as unbearable. Investing in a cheap oscillating fan and not running your air conditioning constantly can help reduce your energy bill as well as still keep you cool. Turning off lights when you are no longer in a room is not only a money saving technique, but is environmentally friendly as well. Going green around the house tends to reduce your energy bill as well because products like light bulbs work more efficiently than standard light bulbs.

    Another common bill that tends to be expensive is cable and Internet. Some people may not be able to give up the convenience of cable and Internet but they are not necessary for survival.

 Cable gives you more options to watch on television but without it you are not completely in the dark. Network television is still alive. Through antenna you are still able to catch about 15 channels that are viewable. Just make sure you get a digital converter. Also, just think of the time you will save procrastinating.

    Having Internet in your home is convenient. However it can become expensive, especially if you opt for a higher speed connection. Loyola’s campus offers free Internet service to all students. If you really can’t stand coming to campus every time you want to use the Internet then go for the lower connection speed. While it may not be optimal for downloading major files, it is still fast enough for Web-surfing and homework assignments.

Also, if you live in a split house, make friends with your neighbors and split the Internet bill with a shared password. Splitting a bill between eight people is much more manageable than just four people.

John Adams can be reached at [email protected]