Hopefully, if you're a college student or have been one in the past, you know the struggle of "barely getting by". If you don't know what it's like, you either are VERY good at managing your money (and are therefore deserving of the upmost respect) or you are at least a little spoiled (I envy you and kinda sorta really don't like you right now). I have known this struggle many times! As you may have guessed, I'm terrible at managing money and at saying no. But throughout my several rodeos, I believe I just might have mastered the art of survival!
Step 1: Have a super awesome best friend!
This is a very important part of making it through. Get a friend who will literally force you into going places with them, saying they will pay for everything! Or even a friend who is just as broke as you and has to go searching for the most random and FREE ways of having fun! Even if that means laying around watching episode after episode of "Nashville" and "Make It or Break It"! Also, hope that they have food in their room and are willing to share!
Step 2: Actually eat at the caf!
Yes, it sounds terrifying. And it can be quite difficult to eat meal after meal coming from the dreaded caf line. But it's not too bad! It is hard though to make yourself eat at the times that the cafeteria's open... I mean, why is it that they don't understand that college students need food late at night?! But just adjust your schedule a little bit... And when you do get those late night munchies-- CHICK MONEY TO THE RESCUE! (But try not to spend all of it...)
Step 3: Take advantage of every opportunity for free food!
Free pizza, free pancakes, free popcorn, free fries, free cookies, free ANYTHING-- if you're not going off on free stuff normally you're wrong, but especially if you're short on cash. Don't be wasteful or lazy! Get out of bed for that food! Now, of course, you're not dying of starvation, but come on! If you're not using your resources, you stupid!
Step 4: Say no, even though it's hard...
I know, that Waffle House run is tempting. And the Whataburger road trip. And the late night Taco Bell. But as soon as your bank account drops below $10, those two letters are your best friend and saving grace! And I'm not talking about G-O...
Step 5: Work hard, pray hard!
Work your way to the next paycheck! And pray every day! By the grace of God YOU WILL MAKE IT!!! And don't let anyone judge you for the incredibly embarrassing dance party you have when that check finally comes!
(Maybe you should start working on saving that paycheck... So you don't have to struggle anymore.)
