S o it's the first day of college. A brand new computer is set up on the desk; the bed is made with clean, freshly pressed sheets. You are a first year with a new credit card and a hefty allowance. Your parents have just left and infinite possibilities lie before you. What are you going to do?
No one survives to the age of 18 without having had some experience with budgeting. However, as many first years have discovered to their chagrin, budgeting in college is an entirely different experience. Not only are parents no longer a source of readily available cash, but the opportunities to spend money are manifold and many temptations not easily withstood.
So how does one survive the first year without breaking the bank?
There are two ways to spend money when you're a free-spirited teenager: on food and fun. However, it's best to remember that for first years, it's possible to obtain both of these without spending a cent.
The meal plan is a requirement for first-year students, and since most do not have a full kitchen readily available, it is a blessing. A lump sum pays for enough meals to keep you fed throughout the semester, and if you become bored with dining hall food - by some unimaginable chance - every meal plan comes with a number of Plus Dollars to eat at any number of places on Grounds.
Granted, some people just do not get along with the food on Grounds. However, those who do can save huge sums just by eating at the dining halls or Pavillion XI ("The Pav") whenever possible. The Treehouse and the Castle are strategically situated in the first-year residence areas for a specific reason: the convenience of those who have Plus Dollars to spend.
When dinner on the Corner or the Downtown Mall can exhaust one's budget for the entire weekend, the meal plan is a must.
"We never went out to eat, it was O-Hill or the Treehouse," second-year Engineering student Brian Gawalt said.
"Use your meals on Wednesdays . . . stock up on cereal or anything if you have extra meals," second-year College student Sylvia Vergel de Dios said.
Wednesdays are when the meal plans are reset for the next week. If you have a 10-meal per week plan, but have only used eight of those, you can make an extra trip to the dining hall and fill up a to-go box. If you have a refrigerator - and you definitely should - it is easy enough to store food for when the dining halls are not open.
For most girls, there's another aspect of consumption that might be a temptation: shopping. While some can afford to spend any amount on what their heart desires, it is possible to find good deals on a small budget. Just be warned that wherever you find a bargain, it is more than likely that someone else either has already been there or will shortly discover your find.
"Before you buy something, just ask yourself - is it worth looking like half the girls on Grounds just to get that Old Navy T-shirt you found in the clearance section?" Vergel de Dios said.
As for having fun on a limited budget, Charlottesville, as a college town, has tons of free events. First Fridays at the University Art Museum offers free food and a chance to dress up and appear cultured. Concerts are free at Fridays after Five on the Downtown Mall. For those who are more sedentary, Clemons has an astonishing selection of free movie rentals.
And of course, there is that most attractive aspect of life at the University -parties.
"Eat at the dining hall because it's free, and go to frat parties because they're free," second-year College student Holly Tomlin said.
And although everyone knows that there is never any underage drinking on Grounds, and on the off chance that there are a few first years who are over the age of 21, it might be worth mentioning the advice of recent College graduate Prince Agarwal: "Don't bother budgeting for alcohol. Just learn to drink beer and get to know some frat people."
Probably the most controversial aspect of budgeting for first years is whether or not to get a credit card. Having plastic is very convenient - and for some, it may be a little too convenient.
"I think a credit card is a little risky," second-year College student Charlotte Gripka said. "It's very easy to forget the responsibility."
Many first years do get credit cards though, and when obtaining one, it's best to remember a few items.
"Get an account with Wachovia because they're all over campus," Tomlin said. By getting an account with local banks, you can forgo the service charges for using convenient ATMs.
"If you have a credit card, one way to keep yourself in control is to show the monthly bill to your parents," Vergel de Dios said. "If you can't justify a purchase to them, should you buy it?"
Another aspect to be considered is whether or not to get a job during the school year. If you're going to be spending money, it makes sense to earn some. However, many first years find that they have neither the time nor possibly the inclination to get a job when there are so many other ways for a first year to fill the hours.
Deciding whether to get a job depends on many personal factors. However, it is worth mentioning that the University hires students during the year. While the pay might not be tops, University employers usually are understanding regarding working hours, and some jobs, such as working at the library, usually will allow you time to study while on the job.
First-year budgeting can be a hassle, but first year in general certainly is not. This is the year when you should be having one of the best times of your life. So while you should definitely know where your money is going, there is certainly no reason not to spend it.
"Save some money for going out with friends, or a late night craving for Pokey Stix," Vergel de Dios said. "It's part of what first year is about!"
Adrienne So is a second-year College student.
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