With today’s economic woes, San Diego City College students already dealing with increasing tuition costs and fees, on top of higher cost of living, may find it difficult to live within their budget restrictions as the U.S. economy continues to worsen. This leaves students to wonder, is there anything they can do to maintain their way of life without sacrificing too many personal pleasures?
In a press release from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, today’s economic crisis was named one of our nation’s largest threats.
“Time is probably our greatest threat. The longer it takes for the recovery to begin, the greater the likelihood of serious damage to U.S. strategic interests,” states Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair, in his public testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Feb. 12.
But despite the economic downturn, the resiliency of SDCC students proves that they don’t have to give up everything they enjoy to survive. Where there is a will, there is a way, and for students, many of those ways can be found on or nearby campus.
To try and float in today’s economy, students are changing their habits and learning to live without, but for French major, Cally Finch, there was no way she was going to cut out traveling.
“I like to take mini-road trips with a few friends. We all split for gas and take picnic stuff to keep it cheap.”
Finch adds, “Instead of paying around $20 a month for a gym membership, you could sign up for $30 a semester at the Fitness Center.”
For those who are dealing with a time crunch just as badly as they are dealing with their cash crunch, there is no time to prepare meals at home. Instead, students are finding extremely frugal friendly deals in the school cafeteria.
A fountain drink, bowl of soup with complimentary crackers, and a fruit can all be had for under $5.
“I just walk in and get my food. There’s never a long wait and in no time I’m sitting and eating my food and catching up on homework at the same time,” cheered one student who was enjoying her meal in the cafeteria as she worked on pages of homework scattered across the table.
Students who enjoy dining out with friends to unwind after a week of classes can always grab a table at Pokez, located a few blocks from the campus, on the corner of 10th Avenue and E Street. This establishment serves up a healthy serving of Mexican dishes for the same amount you’d spend at a fast food restaurant.
Students are also taking advantage of the dance and martial arts classes on campus, paying only the 1-3 units for the class instead of having to take private or group lessons at a significantly higher cost outside of the school.
So before you decide to do without, do as some fellow Knights have done and come by and see what deals SDCC campus has for you.
