It’s a busy time to be a college student. As the semester’s end approaches and assignments and papers begin to pile up like that “clothes chair” in your dorm room, it’s easy to lose track of your meal plan money. In order to avoid the frustrating (and slightly embarrassing) scenario of running out of money for food on your SHU card, here are a couple of tips and tricks you can use:
Keep a balance.
Simply put, try your best to even out your use of swipes and declining dollars, and you’re less likely to run out of either too early. For example, I’m totally guilty of overspending my declining dollars, and then being left with 30 swipes at the end of the semester.
Figure out how you can balance both meal plan options during the week. Save your declining dollars for places where swipes aren’t accepted. If you’re going to eat with friends, eat to your heart’s content at 63’s, or get food during the swipe hours at Linda’s. Be that annoying person who drags everyone else in your group out before 8pm so you can make it before swipe time ends.
Cut down on unnecessary beverage expenses.
If you are like me, and your ability to function is basically dependent on coffee, you’ve probably noticed that those countless trips to Outtakes and Einstein’s have taken a toll on your meal money balance. Cut the coffee expenses by using your own coffee mug. It only costs $0.50 to get a refill!
This doesn’t just apply to caffeine lovers. When it comes to drinking up your daily dose of H2O, invest in a SHU water bottle (if you don’t already own one) that you can refill from the several water fountains available around campus. Bonus points for helping the environment too!
Resist temptation.
I know, I know. When you’re pulling an all-nighter to write a paper, it seems the only way to cope is an endless supply of snacks from Outtakes. Cravings LOVE to knock on your door when you’re under stress. It’s completely okay to slip up here and there, but you don’t have to give into temptation every single time. It’s hard, but you can do it!
Pace yourself.
Avoid stocking up your dorm with excessive amounts of snack food (the winter has thankfully passed). Instead of having an abundance of choices within your reach, this forces you to get up (and not just out of bed), and walk over to a dining hall to satisfy your hunger. Don’t fall into the trap of boredom eating. If you’re really, truthfully hungry, you’ll go and get something to eat.
Adopt a more mindful approach to eating.
This one is more of a long-term strategy than a quick fix. March is National Nutrition Month, so take that as some good inspiration for becoming more aware of what you eat, and trying to be a little healthier with your food choices!
Making an effort to develop and practice healthier eating habits is not only good for your body, but for your SHU card balance as well. It effectively manages your meal plan money without you even trying, and that’s honestly all you need!