Savings for the Season

Autumn.  Many associate this word with back-to-school and everything that it entails, as well as the impending cold weather. Once the craziness of the first week back subsides, students may experience a pleasant lull as our back-to-school to-do list is now a thing of the past. Textbooks have been purchased, parking stickers are adhered to our car windows,  class schedules are now becoming familiar and the element of surprise that back-to-school week represents has dissipated. 

So now what?  “Time to celebrate the season” is most likely what many of you are thinking.  After all, Kalamazoo seems to have awoken from its summer slumber  now that students have returned to the area, Halloween is just around the corner and shortly thereafter is the most anticipated bar night of the year, the night before Thanksgiving.

As students, it is easy to justify taking part in all the excitement of the season, given that we are studying hard and working to meet the short-term goals that school imposes.  However, there is just one problem with participating in any fun opportunities and that is cost.  After purchasing textbooks, etc. the idea of making any frivolous expenses is definitely unappealing. 

This unfortunate reality creates a bit of a dilemma.  So what to do? For starters, begin to look for the “extra credit” sticker at your favorite downtown Kalamazoo destinations.  The “extra credit” sticker indicates that the business participates in the student discount program.  A wide range of businesses honor the student discount upon showing a valid student ID, including eclectic retail stores, coffee shops, entertainment destinations, restaurants and brewpubs. 

Now that you are aware of how to spot a business that is college-budget friendly, it is equally important to possess the know-how in dressing for whatever your night-out brings on a college budget as well.  In order to be successful in this endeavor it is important to keep in mind that a high-priced item does not always indicate quality, nor does it infer that an item is any more chic.  A good way to achieve a great wardrobe while staying within a budget is to investigate your local discount-clothing stores.  You will most likely be taken aback when you shop around at many discount-clothing stores, since most department stores carry the exact same version of an item, but at much higher prices. 

Many department stores end up with an over-abundance of inventory as a result of over-purchasing items and when the stores realize this error, they still need to make a profit. This is where the college student benefits.  Once the discount-clothing stores purchase these items at low price, the discount is then passed on to the consumer as well.  So remember ladies, make sure to frequent your local discount stores the next time you venture out in search of the perfect outfit to complement whatever fun activity you find yourself enjoying!  Once you find a perfect discount-clothing store, don’t forget to look for a mailing list on the company website, as this is yet another way to become aware of great deals and sales on new items. 

Now that you are armed with the necessary information to enjoy every second of this festive time of year, go ahead and immerse yourself in the season all while maintaining a college budget!  You deserve it!

Editor: Gena Reist