- On Tip Out and Questionable Service:
When you stiff a waitress remember tip out, we get paid $2.13 an hour and all of that gets to go to taxes so my checks are 0. 3-5% of our tips go to our bartenders and possibly bus boys and drink runners and hostesses depending on where you're dining at. If you stiff us we still have to pay the that percentage on tip out, so it just came out of our pocket to have you eat here. That is not to say you are obligated to always tip 15-20%. Tip appropriately to the service within reason, I know, some waiters are literally God awful, but try to always tip 5% if possible. - College girls/Women in their 20's:
I can say this freely because I am one. Y’all suck at tipping. Like really. I had a group of 6 college girls come in each with about $30 bills and I got 6 dollars total. It’s unacceptable. I’ve been with my friends and seen them tip very poorly. Listen I get it, we’re poor. But your waiter is just trying to pay bills. You can do better. - Round of waters:
Along with drinks? During rush? No please. Half of your party won’t touch them. My mother used to do this. We’re working on it. - Less than spectacular food:
I really don’t know what to do when you tell me you think the food tastes bad unless you’re asking for something different. If you comment that it's bad but don’t want anything else or for me to do anything it just creates an awkward situation. Remember your waiter has nothing to do with how your food taste, don’t jip them because you didn’t enjoy your food. - Don’t drink it if you don’t want it:
If you drink all of your drink and don’t like it or didn’t order it, no you don’t get it for free. - Tip/Time Spent:
If you and a friend only order one drink but are planning to catch up, tip at least 20% (Whenever I say this, it is assuming your service is good) your bill is probably $20, 10 each if you split it, so that's $4, if you tip 20% the waiter gets a good amount for taking care of you for a couple hours when new people could’ve sat there. Take that into consideration. - Drinking with a Guardian:
Yes, in the state of Texas it is technically allowed for a minor to drink with their parents, but it is up to the establishments discretion and most places will not allow it because the rules are complicated. Underage drinking at a bar can result in the bar no longer being able to serve alcohol, their main source of revenue. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but to most places it’s not worth the risk. - Cat Calls:
Before you speak, would you like some one to say what you’re thinking about to your mother/sister/daughter? No? Good. Then don’t say it. You aren’t as quiet as you think you are. - Mistakes:
I have yet to make a mistake that can’t be fixed. Speak up, and let me fix it. Don't bring it up and then not let me try to remedy the situation. - Hitting on Your Waiter
It’s literally our jobs to be sweet to you, I work at a bar and if you are sincerely interested in seeing a waiter or waitress outside of work there are some things you need to know. "No" means "no". I had a guy ask for my phone number, Facebook, email, and web address (seriously?) I’ve had multiple guys tip me 10% or below and then ask for my number. I’ve had a few sheepishly say they were short on money at the moment. If you really want a girl's number, you don’t drink that last drink and you tip her properly because the chances of a girl texting you after being under-tipped are very low. - On Personal Space and Patience:
It is generally inappropriate and stressful to come up to your waitress' station to ask for something. Given there are times where it is totally necessary and acceptable. (One example, you want to pay for the food of your table). But I have had people come up to my station while I am in the middle of preparing the other patrons' drinks at the table or party, because they want to order their drink but came after their friends. Another example is the person who comes up immediately or within a few minutes of me visiting their table needing something when they just said they were fine. It doesn't look good to the higher-ups to see patrons coming to the waiting station to ask for something and making me take care of you in that instant means my service to the other tables will be slower. - On Server Errors and Respect:
I am your server, not your servant, please remember everyone has off days. I will never admit to being perfect but everyone always deserves to be treated with respect. - Changing seats:
If you have a tab at the bar, but then sit at the waitress section you must continue to go through the bar, unless you have one drink we most likely won't transfer because then the bar doesn't get paid for taking care of you. You are always welcome to tab out and start a new tab, by sitting at a table and going through the bar a waiter is losing money because you sit at a table that he/she could be waiting on. - Asking to Take Something Back:
I do not know any one who would actually spit in anyone's food but I do know it’s happened. It is all about how you ask. It’s not complicated. Be nice. We are bombarded with rude customers every single day. A smile can go further than you think. Be nice to your waiter or the manager and you just might find something that normally costs extra to be excluded from your ticket. - Pivot Point System:
I’ll spare the details but when servers take orders you are assigned a number, if you switch seats, go from sitting to standing or vice versa it gets really confusing, really fast. It raises the possibility of me handing out drinks and food to the wrong people. - "Excuse me, Waiter?”
It's really confusing when you have a waiter but try to order off of another waiter, we don't all have access to each other's tables on the computer. Also, if you ask another waiter to do something for you (especially when it's busy) it's stressful because they have their own tables to attend to but of course won't turn you down. - The Importance of Group Ordering:
Whenever a server comes to your table, make sure every one asks for what they need, it's exhausting and inefficient to run back and forth to your table because someone needs something from your table. If you are talking while your waiter is visiting your table and don't say what you want until after the waiter comes back, remember the person sitting beside you will be there for the entire duration of your meal, unlike your waiter. I will wait for you to notice me only during initial orders like drinks and food.
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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