One thing some CU students are sacrificing in order to save money is looking for free or inexpensive foods.
“Ramen noodles (are) a good staple right about now,” said Eric Clark, 21, a junior film studies major.
According to the King Soopers Web site, a pack of 12 Ramen noodles packages can be purchased for as little as $8.89.
It’s easy to understand why a college student would want to live on Ramen, but a single packet of these tasty little noodles contains 82 percent of the average daily value in sodium and 12 grams of fat, six of which are saturated fat; not exactly packing a nutritious punch.
But Clark isn’t just subsisting on Ramen noodles; he works as a hasher at a local sorority for five hours a week and receives 21 free meals at the sorority house.
“Basically, I wash dishes for food,” Clark said. “It’s a lot better than working in the dining halls because the food’s way better.”
Clark said that since 21 meals a week is enough to sustain him, he spends most of his money on other things such as beer. But he said he is resorting to some alternative methods for spending money.
“I’m selling my iPod,” Clark said. “I realized I need that money more than I need my iPod. My roommates are selling their drum sets too. Tough times, man.”
Brian Swenson, 21, a senior film studies major, said he also has tricks to get inexpensive or free food, such as only dining at places where his friends work and using Campus Cash to get discounts.
Swenson buys his beer at Viking Liquors off Baseline Road because he said they have the most inexpensive beer.
“They have 12-packs there for $6.99,” Swenson said. “It’s pretty gross beer though.”
Swenson said he is not too worried about eating healthy during the recession.
“I eat veggies when they come in my Chinese food,” Swenson said jokingly.
Swenson has other interesting approaches to saving money when out at the bars.
“I swoop the wounded soldiers,” Swenson said. “There are so many, and the bartenders ignore guys!”
Caitlin Chapple, 21, a junior, environmental studies major, has a more traditional approach to saving money at the bar.
“This is the first year that I’m actually 21, so I’m definitely going out to the bars, but I buy fewer drinks than I would have before because it’s so expensive,” Chapple said.
Chapple said she tries to stay in and cook as much as possible because it’s more inexpensive that way, but she also has a meal plan so she can eat at the dining halls on campus.
“I think it’s been a good investment,” Chapple said. “It’s all you can eat, and I figure it’s about $6 per meal. I think it’s been worth it.”
Chapple also sticks to buying Keystone Light beer from Liquormart, which she said she does strictly because it’s the most inexpensive.
Clark said other important tricks to remember include bringing a sandwich or other easily portable snack to the mountain when skiing because the food at ski resorts is usually overpriced.
Clark did not, however, seem concerned that the lack of inexpensive yet nutritious food options could cause health problems.
“If you don’t have any money, you don’t eat,” Clark said. “It’s simple.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Hanna Johnson at Hanna.johnson@colorado.edu.
