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The Sputnik // Thursday June 30

Student Survival Guide

When many students leave to go to school in a new place, theyre excited about meeting new people, going to class and freedom from parents. One thing were not taught is how to spend responsibly. The typical student experience says we are supposed to sleep all day, party all night and somehow fit school work in there somewhere. But if practice has taught me anything, its that partying can eat up a considerable chunk of money quickly. What it all comes down to is learning how to pinch pennies and spend the money you do have responsibly. TD Canada Trust has an excellent guide for students about how to create and maintain a budget while going to school. First, they say you should figure out how much money you have coming in. Once you know how much money you have, you can then figure out how much money you have per month. To do this, take the total and divide it by how many months you plan on being in school (typically eight). The next step, according to TD, is to figure out your monthly costs. To do this, save all your receipts for a month, two even, so you know where your money is going. Things to consider are: books, tuition, rent (if youre living off campus), groceries, phone bill and entertainment. To figure out your budget, subtract all your monthly fees from the money you have coming in. If the number is in the negatives, you need to start thinking about where you can save money or things that you can cut out of your budget to make sure you dont run out of money. If your number is a positive, that means you have a little extra cash. Generally, its a good idea to put this money away for future years, as school only gets more expensive as you progress. So, how can you trim a few dollars off your bills? There are lots of ways to save on almost every aspect of your everyday life. One mistake many students make is going out to eat as opposed to making their own food. It can cost as little as a dollar to make a full meal, whereas going out can cost upwards of $20, just for one meal! Another huge area of spending is on coffee. If you fit the student stereotype at all, drinking coffee will become an almost daily occurrence. Buying coffee from somewhere like Williams or Tim Hortons can cost around $2 a cup, but if you find a second hand coffee maker and a re-useable cup you can make a cup of coffee for anywhere between 50 cents to 83 cents a cup, according to coffeehabitat.com. Another great way to save money is to avoid buying brand names and go for the cheaper generic items. These are usually considerably cheaper, and most stores have their own brand of nearly everything, from meats to shoes! While it may be the last place you want to save, the entertainment aspect of student life is arguably the most expensive.. While going to bars can be fun, it also drains your wallet as quick as the tequila shot is down your throat. Instead of going out, why not throw your own party, respecting residence rules, of course. Buying your alcohol from LCBO is cheaper and lasts longer than one night. Student life is definitely not a cheap lifestyle, but there are ways to make it through. Even if you do have extra money, try to find ways to keep your costs low so that any extra money you have can be transferred over to help pay for books and tuition for the next year. Living on a tight budget can be stressful, but once you know how to manage your money effectively, the stress disappears and you can start enjoying being a student.

by Jillian Courtney (section editor)

Budgeting and how it's done

the matter to eat healthy throughout the school year, the fact of No matter how much talking students do of their need to procrastinate that paper, a messy night on the town, an excuse is that every student indulges once in a while. Be it after of the major ne feels the urge for that feel-good meal. And with none or consolation for the exam mark just posted, everyo core. to the best comfort food in the downtown fast-food players situated on campus, here is your guide

by Kyle W Brown

top 5 comfort foods

Warmingtons Bistro

42 George Street, Across from Post House the places on the list. Theres a bunch of crazy Warmingtons arguably has the best atmosphere of all in your grandparents kitchen. The hours shit on the walls, sort-of giving off the feel youre sitting the definition of fast, but my goodness the seem to change everyday, and the service may not meet mozza burger, have a pint of one of the food is tasty, and all of it is local. Go for lunch, get the as your side you wont be disappointed. microbrews on tap, and dont forget to get lattice fries

Admirals

55 Dalhousie Street if for nothing else, just to see the monstrous Admirals is an experience that no student can miss, down, I make them experience it. Most often portions they offer. Its true, anytime a friend comes probably singlehandedly keep PEIs potato frequented by students after the bar, Admirals could make. Unfortunately, the food is good too, making it market afloat with the quantities of fries they ite is a simple order of chicken fingers with hard to resist on a Thursday night. A university favour , just try it. fries. Or, if youre feeling brave, try the junk pile. Really

Admirals Submarine is a student -favourite for post-bar food. (Photo by Ven etia Bodanis)

117 Market Street, Inside Front of Imperial Hall ue place is rant in the North Park neighbourhood, this little barbec A smaller, walk-in version of the main Strodes restau er lunch places Strodes has made a name for itself as one of the premi not one to miss. With fast and ultra-friendly service, in on your way between classes, grab a Chicken a study session, stop downtown. While not ideal for a meal with friends or with jealousy. while those sitting around you in the next lecture stare Schnitzel, and savour it, 124 Dalhousie Street you away, making a name for itself. Dont let the bland dcor scare The newest player downtown, Pasquales is quickly employees know the other homemade recipes, not even the two these guys know how to make a sandwich. Using secret too!), this is bly the best pulled pork sandwich in the city (and cheap ones ingredients, the food is hard to resist. Argua another spot to stop between classes for a quick bite. 42 Market Street, Across from Special Constables late-night past years, fiercely challenging Admirals for the best Lonnies has come onto the scene in a big way over the of poutine s can be.) Boasting a broad menu including nine types spot (or, as fiercely as a competition between greasy spoon is definiterant downtown. While the wait is a little long, the food and a cheap breakfast, Lonnies is the only 24-hour restau g right. e, and let the sweet bliss in the mouth end your evenin ly worth it. Get the banquet burger with a side of poutin

Strodes Express

Pasquales Meats & Deli

Lonnies on Market

dge by Bri

er t Park

519.757.2750

Corner of Syndenham & St. George St. On the Busiest Corner in Brantford