Don’t live on Ramen alone

Simple tips for college students to save money on food, textbooks and more

Most college students operate on a budget, and there are many places around Lynchburg that cater to these college students trying to save money.

One option to save money, which is a part of the on-campus meal plan, is Flames Cash. Flames Cash is offered to every residential student and is accessible through their Flames Pass. A variety of merchants around Lynchburg accept Flames Cash.

According to Jordan Johnson, Card Services assistant director, utilizing Flames Cash is a great option to supplement using cash or credit card.

“Regarding the Flames Pass, students can save 10-15 percent at on-campus dining locations by adding Flames Cash,” Johnson said. “You can add funds online or at the Payment Headquarters In Location stations in Green Hall and DeMoss (Hall).”

Photo credit: Sierra Franklin

Photo credit: Sierra Franklin

There are also different merchants around Lynchburg that will give students discounts for paying in Flames Cash or showing a college ID. According to Johnson, Zaxby’s, Cici’s Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery all offer incentives for college students.

When 100 Liberty University students were surveyed about college discounts, 74 percent of those students said they go to places that take Flames Cash more than places that do not.

“I enjoy having (Flames Cash), but I tend not to spend a lot of money in general,” sophomore Seth Rosamilia said. “I use (Flames Cash) to go to Starbucks. It helps a lot.”

A second way for college students to be money-conscious is to keep a budget, according to Johnson.

“My advice for students on a budget would be to figure out what you’re going to be spending money on by the week and plan accordingly,” Johnson said. “Factoring in food, laundry, gas and postal services is helpful when budgeting Flames Cash.”

Liberty students have witnessed first-hand the effectiveness of budgeting.

“I think budgeting your money for each week is super helpful,” freshman Elizabeth Eckhart said. “It is helps you to stay on track.”

Johnson explained it is important that students understand budgeting. This will not only be useful in college but further down the road as well.

“It might take a little effort in the beginning, but when you’re in college and starting to manage your money on your own, it’s better to be prepared so you don’t get caught off guard with bills or expenses,” Johnson said.

In addition to eating on a budget, Johnson encouraged students to use public transportation to save on gas expenses.

“(Card Services) also offers city bus passes to any student who has completed (Financial Check In),” Johnson said. “Using the bus to get around town and to-and-from campus will save money on gas.”

A fourth way to save money is to utilize textbook rentals offered through Barnes & Noble. According to a Barnes & Noble representative, the textbook rental program was launched in 2010.

“Currently, 78 percent of textbook titles offered in the bookstore are available for rent,” the representative said. “Textbook rentals were designed to deliver the maximum benefit (and savings) to our students and offer the features and conveniences that students want most — convenience and affordability ­— with students saving up to 80 percent off the price of a new, printed textbook.”

According to the representative, Liberty students will choose the rental option 54 percent of the time.

When Liberty students were asked if they shop around for the best deal, 49 percent said they searched around and 46 percent said they tried to.

The representative also shared that students looking to save money should buy and sell back their textbooks. This offers cash up front.

“While students can sell their textbooks back at any time, the best time is at the end of the term during finals week,” the representative said. “Prices paid for textbooks vary depending on whether instructors are using the same textbook for next term. If a book is being used next term, the bookstore will pay up to 50 percent up to needed inventory.”

Frost is a news reporter.

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