When we have a long day of classes, it is likely that we will get hungry a couple of times throughout the day. If we are not smart and balance the amount of money we spend on food and drinks, we could end up spending more than we can afford on these items. As students we should always try to save as much as we can, I have put together a few tips and tricks that I have found out in my almost 4 years at FSC.
- Put your money on your student ID :
If you are a commuter, whatever amount of money you are going to spend during the week put it in your ID. When the money is on your ID, you will not get charged tax when buying at any of the Campus food and drink establishments. To put the money on your ID, you just have to visit the office right next to the Starbucks in the campus center and put on any amount you want. They also have packages with free extra money when you put on a certain amount.
- Take advantage of discounts with your student ID, in eateries outside of campus:
Many of the food establishments outside the campus offer a certain percentage off when you show your student ID. Across the street from campus on Melville road, eateries such as Stuff a Bagel, Mojo Taco and others, offer discounts to students. Always ask if the place where you are eating offers a discount. Some places in the Airport Plaza offer a lower price for students as well, as is the case of Cheeseburger Cheeseburger. (www.farmingdale.edu/ram-rewards)
- Bring your own lunch to campus:
That piece of chicken you did not have last night can be put together with some lettuce and veggies of your choice and become your lunch. When you bring at least one of the meals you will have throughout the day, you will be able to save some money by just getting a small snack the next time you get hungry. If you have some time and are really committed to your finances, grab some yogurt and a fruit from your own fridge and bring it along with you for a snack. If you bring your lunch and want to heat it up, just use the microwave in the campus center eating area, it is free for students to use. When it comes to water bottles, DO NOT spend a single dollar on water, you could choose to bring your own water bottle and fill it up in the filtered water dispensers around campus, it is great-tasting and clean water.
- Befriend a resident student that could swipe you into POP Dining :
If you have a resident friend, you could ask them to swipe you into the pay-one-price diner. Residents receive four guest passes a semester to use with friends and relatives. If you know somebody well enough just ask them if they would not mind swiping you. It is worth the try. Also as a commuter you could pay one price for a certain meal and have all you can eat at the POP diner. You can go into the diner, read the menu for that day and decide if you would like to stay and eat. You can also ask them the prices so that you can have a clearer idea of how much you can spend.
- Pay with your Friends :
Before eating by yourself, call one of your friends on campus and ask if they would like to get together for lunch and split the check. You would be surprise how much money you can save by splitting with your friends, it also allows you to have a better variety of food because you can get more items. Be aware of campus activities and events that happen in the campus center and all over campus. Often times there is free breakfast for students, hot chocolate, popcorn, smoothies and other things being given to students for free on the tables. I would strongly suggest you to create a profile in RamCentral to be notified of these events.
These are only some of the things we can do when we want to save a few bucks on eating as students. You could try your own strategies based on your needs. Always make sure to be nourished and well hydrated so that your day at school is pleasant and full of learning. Enjoy!