7 Reasons Why College Students Are Broke

7 Reasons Why College Students Are Broke

When our bank account go from a hundred to zero real quick.
Anna Landis
Anna Landis Feb 1, 2016
2265
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I do not know what is more depressing -- when the dinning hall food is sub-par or when you look at your bank statement and see less than $100. If I could calculate all the money I have spent during my years in college based on the amount of food I ate off campus, alcohol, random stuff that I do not need (like a plush Olaf from Target), and other stuff, I am sure that I would go into a total shock.

I work two jobs and I still worry about money. The beautiful question, "what are you going to do post-graduation?" rings in my head every time I spend penny because grad school seems so far away. If a university could give me money to attend grad school then I will wear its school colors every day for the rest of my life. (I am not kidding.)

So why are we broke?

1. Victoria Secret Semi-Annual Sale (no judgment if anyone other than females take part in this; they have some really nice stuff)

3 body care products for $15?! 70% off make up?! 7 panties for $25?! I really feel for VS employees during the semi annual sale because it may be worse than Black Friday. I have seen grown women fight over a bra just because it was $18...I can get 2 bras for $18 at Kohl's. Other than that, I could do some real damage on that plus the swim wear sale! A bikini for $39! Thankfully I have learned to put stuff down items and end up only spending $40 max, but the girl in front of me spent $200...you do you boo!

2. Target

Cartwheel, Red Points, and sales oh my! I may only go to target to get my prescription refilled and come out with 3 shopping bags filled with that concealer "I really needed," glitter (because that is my favorite color), and random food items because they were all on sale. I scan every item with Cartwheel and if it is on sale, I am getting it. Pretty sure my apartment bedroom could be a model room for Target. Tip: Bring reusable bags, and get 5 cents off per bag towards your final purchase.

3. Taco Bell or any other fast food

Is the dinning hall food sub-par? Maybe you are just too lazy to make food? Well my roommates and I have a solution to that! Taco Bell runs are a thing at my apartment. When one of us craves those warm potatoes topped with fake cheese and sour cream, we all make a field trip to Taco Bell. Happier Hour can make me dance; $1 grillers and medium drinks (except they never have Mountain Dew Baja Blast) can make anyone smile. Love cheesy fiesta potatoes? They got a wrap for it! Now my stomach may not love it, but let's be honest, yo quiero Taco Bell.

4. That gym membership that we really don't use

No judgement. Just like Planet Fitness, this is a judgement free zone. I go to Planet Fitness for $10/month and I used to loathe going. What I do wonder is why people just go to the gym to take selfies? You are paying $10-80/month to take a selfie? Move over so I can use the weights. Just a warning, that monthly membership adds up, so use it or drop it to save yourself money!

5. Alcohol

It costs $6 for a shot of Fireball in Diet Coke at a local club. It costs $7 for a mimosa. It costs $9 for a Sour Amaretto. It costs $0 for water. As stereotypical college kids, my friends and I would go to fraternity parties and get free alcohol. Free for the ladies and $5 for a cup for the men. Recently I sat down with a friend who is a member of a certain fraternity and he said they would spend $300 on alcohol per party....do you know what I could do with $300? I could buy 30 cockroaches at the Bronx Zoo and name them after people I do not like, buy 150 packs of gum, pay for my car to get detailed, or do the responsible thing and pay off student loans. Tip: If you plan on going out to a bar or club, only take a $20 for your alcohol purchases. You cannot spend more than $20, and you learn to not chug everything plus drink specials.

6. Textbooks

My sociology textbook was $200...why? Luckily my dad is an Amazon Prime wizard and can score awesome deals, but why do I need to spend $300+ every semester when we already pay $15-80,000 per year on tuition? Can there be a deal like pay your tuition, get free textbooks?

7. Spring Break


First of all, it is not forever; it is a week. For example, you are going to Panama City. You need to find a flight to get there and back, or gas money for you brave souls who drive down there, buy a room at a hotel for so many nights, buy food and alcohol, pay for taxis unless you plan on walking everywhere -- also, if you get a drinking ticket, then that is more money -- and money for restocking the mini bar. That all comes to a grand total of $800+. I am in no way putting down this awesome trip (if you need an extra person, and it is free, hit me up), but I do not have that money. I usually work during my spring breaks because I am poor, broke, and tired. However, I plan on going all out next winter break on a cruise because it will be off season and so much cheaper.

But remember, what happens on spring break doesn't stay in spring break.

One thing that they do not teach you in high school is how to survive college balling on a budget. Seriously, there needs to be a how to course on this! I did not write this article to put anyone down, but to make it known on why we are all broke. Yes, I love Wicked Taco but I do not want all my money to go towards it when I have piles of student loans. Just be mindful of what you are using your money towards, but also have fun. College is a lot or work, so if you have a huge exam and you passed it, you go get yourself a 24 oz margarita on Margarita Monday for $6, or a mani/pedi, or just time for a nap. We all deserve a little treat.

Cover Image Credit: Help Me, I'm Poor
Anna Landis
Anna Landis Feb 1, 2016
At Method, Raleigh

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It's Time To Thank Your First Roommate

Not the horror story kind of roommate, but the one that was truly awesome.
Katie Ward
Katie Ward Feb 1, 2016
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Nostalgic feelings have recently caused me to reflect back on my freshman year of college. No other year of my life has been filled with more ups and downs, and highs and lows, than freshman year. Throughout all of the madness, one factor remained constant: my roommate. It is time to thank her for everything. These are only a few of the many reasons to do so, and this goes for roommates everywhere.

You have been through all the college "firsts" together.

If you think about it, your roommate was there through all of your first college experiences. The first day of orientation, wishing you luck on the first days of classes, the first night out, etc. That is something that can never be changed. You will always look back and think, "I remember my first day of college with ____."

You were even each other's first real college friend.

You were even each other's first real college friend.

Months before move-in day, you were already planning out what freshman year would be like. Whether you previously knew each other, met on Facebook, or arranged to meet in person before making any decisions, you made your first real college friend during that process.

SEE ALSO: 18 Signs You're A Little Too Comfortable With Your Best Friends

The transition from high school to college is not easy, but somehow you made it out on the other side.

It is no secret that transitioning from high school to college is difficult. No matter how excited you were to get away from home, reality hit at some point. Although some people are better at adjusting than others, at the times when you were not, your roommate was there to listen. You helped each other out, and made it through together.

Late night talks were never more real.

Remember the first week when we stayed up talking until 2:00 a.m. every night? Late night talks will never be more real than they were freshman year. There was so much to plan for, figure out, and hope for. Your roommate talked, listened, laughed, and cried right there with you until one of you stopped responding because sleep took over.

You saw each other at your absolute lowest.

It was difficult being away from home. It hurt watching relationships end and losing touch with your hometown friends. It was stressful trying to get in the swing of college level classes. Despite all of the above, your roommate saw, listened, and strengthened you.

...but you also saw each other during your highest highs.

After seeing each other during the lows, seeing each other during the highs was such a great feeling. Getting involved on campus, making new friends, and succeeding in classes are only a few of the many ways you have watched each other grow.

There was so much time to bond before the stresses of college would later take over.

Freshman year was not "easy," but looking back on it, it was more manageable than you thought at the time. College only gets busier the more the years go on, which means less free time. Freshman year you went to lunch, dinner, the gym, class, events, and everything else possible together. You had the chance to be each other's go-to before it got tough.

No matter what, you always bounced back to being inseparable.

Phases of not talking or seeing each other because of business and stress would come and go. Even though you physically grew apart, you did not grow apart as friends. When one of you was in a funk, as soon as it was over, you bounced right back. You and your freshman roommate were inseparable.

The "remember that one time, freshman year..." stories never end.

Looking back on freshman year together is one of my favorite times. There are so many stories you have made, which at the time seemed so small, that bring the biggest laughs today. You will always have those stories to share together.

SEE ALSO: 15 Things You Say To Your Roommates Before Going Out

The unspoken rule that no matter how far apart you grow, you are always there for each other.

It is sad to look back and realize everything that has changed since your freshman year days. You started college with a clean slate, and all you really had was each other. Even though you went separate ways, there is an unspoken rule that you are still always there for each other.

Your old dorm room is now filled with two freshmen trying to make it through their first year. They will never know all the memories that you made in that room, and how it used to be your home. You can only hope that they will have the relationship you had together to reflect on in the years to come.


Cover Image Credit: Katie Ward
Katie Ward
Katie Ward Feb 1, 2016
At Duquesne University

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7 Thrifty Reasons You Should Shop At Flea Markets

Pop-ups and vendors have a little bit of everything.

Brent Mitchell Wiggins
Brent Mitchell Wiggins Mar 11, 2019
21
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Shopping is not always fun, especially when it is for the same things you wrote a list of. Week in and week out, you find yourself frequenting those commercial brands and store chains all too often. There are better outlets to check out and the best part is, they do not require any prep time. These are the reasons to go shopping at flea markets.

1. Special finds.

Price tags can make your wallet cry bloody murder sometimes. Rather than buy that name brand collection that costs the same as your rent, buy something that fulfills the same value. Flea markets have something unique to offer and for fair prices too. The owners and vendors may even be so willing and friendly enough to negotiate costs. Whatever you buy, it will be worth every penny.

2. Bang for your buck.

Sion Dana (left) of Steampunk Curiosities and myself holding his typewriter statue.

The amount of creativity, ingenuity, and variety behind the vendors and pop-ups at open markets is hard to find anywhere else. You never know what to expect and it is something different every time you go. You may even become a loyal customer to the makers and small businesses out there.

3. Shopping without the chore.

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Shopping does not have to be a chore or a listed aim. The whole point of window shopping is to daydream about something you find of value and to humor the thought of maybe purchasing that item. Now imagine window shopping but without the window. That is what shopping at a flea market feels like; no lists directing you, just an open curiosity.

4. Shop on the go.

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Most flea markets are open during regular business hours but that does not mean you have to be the first one there come sunrise or the last one there sundown. Plan your day around it, make it a ritual to visit your local vendors and attend special events in your area. It is a good experience to spend some of your time and money on or just to share with friends and family..

5. Start small, think big.

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Small businesses are nothing short of inspiring. Their commitment to quality goods and services is unmatched compared to faceless, nationwide corporations. When you shop small and local, you get to see familiar faces you can trust and come back to without hesitation. They know their products and people intimately, and that is priceless.

6. Go for the pop-up, stay for the Gram.

Discovering something or someone new is an experience you will not forget. Capturing those moments and saving and sharing them lets you relive your market day experience. You have a good time shopping for curio while the shops and small business owners gain some new customers. Flea markets offer the best of shopping and entertainment.

7. Support local and small business.

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The dollar does not stop here. With your purchase at a local shop or small business, you are supporting the owners and quality that they can deliver, time and time again. Not only is it convenient for you as a shopper, but it is helping the community grow culturally and economically through these local, small, but unique shops.

Flea markets make up more than vintage items. They are the place where commerce and culture create better communities.

Brent Mitchell Wiggins
Brent Mitchell Wiggins Mar 11, 2019
At Orlando, Florida

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