You're broke. All the money from your summer job that was supposed to last you the whole year is gone, and it's only February.
Luckily for students now counting their pennies, there are many sources of employment around Grounds, including the Newcomb Hall information desk and game room, the libraries, the gyms and the University Bookstore.
While some students said they want a job to earn some extra cash, third-year College student Jessica Barnett said she originally started looking for a job to help support herself.
"My mom is a single parent, so I wanted to make my own money," Barnett said. "I didn't want my mom to struggle."
As an attendant at Memorial Gymnasium, Barnett said she greets patrons, swipes cards and assists in the equipment room. She added that she has made some new friends of the gym regulars.
Working at Memorial Gymnasium "has made me realize I have to go to the gym more," Barnett said. "I see people coming in every day. Maybe I should be that dedicated!"
Second-year College student Sarah Samiphak said she applied for a job at Clemons Library not only for the extra money, but also for another reason: a Social Security number.
"I'm an international student, so I wanted a Social Security number," Samiphak said. "If you work, the government [gives you] one."
Samiphak also mentioned the community of Clemons employees as a perk of the job.
"I really like the community of the staff," Samiphak said, adding that they have dinner together every so often.
Another employment opportunity is the information desk in Newcomb Hall. Third-year College student Clare Murphy said her job description includes faxing students' documents, answering questions about events in Newcomb and the University in general, organizing the lost-and-found and helping to organize the box office and concession stand for Cinematheque.
"You start at $6 an hour, and they're very flexible to student needs," Murphy said, remarking that she enjoys the work environment which is much friendlier than that of other jobs she has held.
Third-year College student Richard Horner works for the Dining Services in Crossroads. He said he mostly does cashier work, but sometimes fills in for other employees who work in other stations. Additionally, Horner said getting the job was not difficult.
"I don't think it was hard," Horner said. "I walked in and said, 'Please, may I have a job?'"
Fourth-year Engineering student Noah Eisenberg works at Cavalier Computers, located in the University Bookstore. He said in addition to cashiering, he helps students figure out the best computer and software for their needs. Since Cavalier Computers closes at 7p.m., Eisenberg said his job does not hinder his studies greatly.
A sixth option for employment is the game room in Newcomb Hall. Second-year College student Sandy Cao said she had a lot of extra time, so she decided to use it to make money.
"It's good money -- well not good money, but it's extra cash," Cao said.
But students have to juggle classes, clubs, reading, homework, papers and midterms -- who has time for another commitment?
Clemons circulation supervisor Jeremy Wilk said Clemons tries to work around students' schedules.
"Students have a set schedule for the semester," Wilk said. "You don't have to work during [breaks from school]. We're flexible around student life."
Horner said working at Crossroads has not seriously affected his studies.
"They're very accommodating," Horner said. "They tell you how many hours they'd like you to have, but they understand if it's a problem."
Several on-Grounds employers also enforce weekly hour limits. Murphy said the information desk in Newcomb has a 20-hour per week maximum. The University gyms have a 10-hour per week maximum, according to Barnett.
Many on-Grounds employers also allow students to study on the job.
Eisenberg said while he's not helping a customer at Cavalier Computers, he can surf the Internet and complete various school assignments.
Working at one of the libraries also allows students to get school work done during down time.
When Samiphak is not helping someone at Clemons, she can "sit and do nothing and get some work done," she said.
The gyms, however, have recently implemented a policy of no homework or reading while on the job, Barnett said, noting that the change is "starting to affect" her studies.
Eisenberg said students trying to decide whether to apply for a job should thoroughly evaluate their schedules first.
"Make sure you're balancing [work] with classes," Eisenberg said. "Make sure you can actually dedicate time to it."
In addition to finding equilibrium between a job and schoolwork, Barnett said to consider other events students will not be able to participate in if they have a job.
"I work on the weekends, so there are things I want to do, but I can't because I have to work," Barnett said.
Cao suggested finding a job on-Grounds rather than off-Grounds because most on-Grounds employers are more willing to work with students' schedules.
If a student is looking for extra money, Murphy recommended looking for a job in advance.
"I applied and interviewed last semester [to begin working] this semester," she said.
Even though employment open to students on Grounds may seem insignificant, Wilk said the roles student workers fill are an integral part of the University.
"We couldn't function without our student workers," Wilk said. "We're dependent on them."
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