As a college student, it can be hard to resist spending more money than you should. The endless early morning Starbucks stops and late-night pizza runs can add up once the semester takes off. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to avoid watching your checking account dwindle this fall.
Discounts in Uptown Westerville
The biggest thing you can cheat yourself out on as a college student is the student discount. There are countless restaurants and cafés throughout Uptown that are happy to cut you some slack when it comes to your bill. If you’re not sure whether an establishment offers a discount, just ask. You’re only a college student for four years, so make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
Whit's: 10% discount
Red Apron: 15% discount
Java Central: 10% discount
Espresso Air: 15% discount
Koble: 15% discount
Uptown’s Fourth Friday festivals: Don’t travel to find food trucks and fun shops when you can find them on-campus every fourth Friday of the month, April through September.
Clothing Stores in the Columbus Area
In case you haven’t heard: thrifting is in, people. From clothes to furniture to home goods, check out the following locations for some jaw-dropping discounts.
Otterbein Thrift Store: 177 W. Park St., Westerville
Ohio Thrift: 5738 Columbus Square, Columbus
Village Discount Outlet: offers a 20% discount for college students on Sundays, 3500 Cleveland Ave., Columbus
Discount Fashion Warehouse: 110 N. Wilson Road, Columbus
TJ Maxx: 1255 Polaris Parkway, Columbus
On-Campus Resources
Another thing not to cheat yourself out on are Otterbein’s campus resources. As a student, you have free access to the following budget-friendly options:
Promise House: Whether you need a quick snack or some shampoo, this student-led community resource center has your back. Check it's social media pages to find out when it's open.
Student Health Center: The biannual “OtterPlague,” also known as the seasonal sickness, is bound to strike again this year. When it does, the student health center, by the Home Street Commons Apartments, can help you avoid pricey visits to doctors' offices.
Counseling Center: Feeling blue? Stressed out? Maybe just need someone to talk to? The counseling center offers a variety of free services that might just be the help you need. All you have to do is schedule an appointment.
Rike and Clements Recreation Center: Let’s put it this way: This may very well be the only time in your life when you have a free gym membership. Don’t let it go to waste!
Bonus Tips and Tricks
Avoid the bookstore. Unless you’re in desperate need of your textbook, try hitting up the library’s course reserves or renting online through Chegg or Amazon.
Instead of spending money on bottled water, invest in a reusable water bottle. It’s cost-effective and eco-friendly.
If you can manage it, walk more and drive less. It’s a pretty straightforward way of saving on gas money, and it sneaks in a daily dose of exercise.
Weighing the cost of being a student
