“Dear Zoe,
College is more expensive than I thought. How can I make more money?”
–Bone Broke
Dear Bone Broke,
Money complaints are the great unifier among college students.
Quite frankly, most of us are penny-pinching and taking out student loans just to keep afloat.
It can be hard (and sometimes nearly impossible) to keep bank accounts out of the red when new expenses keep popping up.
How can students afford books, tuition, rent, gas and food, and still have a little left over for a date on Friday night?
A recent report said that the economy is bouncing back, but many students, and even adults, struggle to find a well-paying job.
My advice is to apply for everything.
Many local business and organizations around campus are hiring students right now. Many allow prospective employees to upload resumes and applications online in a relatively painless process.
It is true that most part-time jobs pay about minimum wage, but even working a steady 10 hours per week can make a difference over a semester.
Volunteer opportunities are often over-looked because they are non-paying, but they should not be forgotten. By volunteering, students can gain valuable work experience that looks great on any resume.
Keep a change jar; a few quarters a day can make a difference when rent is due.
Drive less and ride your bike more. Laramie is bike friendly, and, yes, it is possible to ride a bike in the snow.
Make that date night on campus. Go to the free movies or long board around Prexy’s.
It is true that most people are not fortunate enough to have their own super PAC or have a rich uncle, but that does not mean students should have to eat ramen noodles every night or propose using a ring from a vending machine.
Look for job ads in the Branding Iron or the classifieds, find odd jobs around town and remember that taking out a student loan is not the end of the world.
A student’s main job is to study and learn as much as he or she can; college only lasts a few short years.
To submit or answer a
question email, zmcdonal@uwyo.edu.
