BY PAIGE BETTENCOURT
As we approach the end of the semester, some of us may find a surplus of money on our spring meal plan. How does this happen? It seems like fall semester, everyone scrambles to find the cheapest items they can purchase so they don’t run out of money too quickly. Spring semester, we scramble to spend as much as possible so we do not lose anything at the end. I have experienced this dilemma both years I have attended Stonehill. While the phenomenon seems unexplainable, a lot of students need to find ways to spend their money before they miss out.
One of the best ways to spend your money is an option provided by the dining hall. In the commons by the bakery, you will find an order form where you can place an order for supplies through the school. A lot of students will take advantage of this program. You can buy almost anything ranging from burgers to waters and lemonades, even cookies! This is one of my favorite ways to spend at the end of the year. I like to bring home different drinks for any cookouts my family may host over the summer. This way I get to contribute without spending any of my own money!
Another way students may spend is by offering to buy dinner for friends. Over the years, I have had friends buy our entire group dinner because they had a surplus of meal plan money left. We would get a three-course meal all on one card. Dessert was often offered as well, so if we were not full enough from our dinner we would take advantage and go home with some cookies or ice cream from the bakery. Nowadays, I like to buy snacks for my friends. Every time I go to the Hill I find myself purchasing a snickerdoodle because I know my suitemate loves them. At the end, she’s happy because she got a cookie and I am happy because I spent another two to three dollars!
Lastly, another good way to spend would be to visit the more expensive dining options on campus. Everyone always warns new students not to go to Gigi’s or ABP for food every day because you will run out of money. However, as the year wraps up it is safer to do this. Personally, I treat myself to a bowl from Gigi’s more than once a week now just because it helps clear out my meal plan money. So go visit Dunkin and get the large coffee, get the extra croissant from ABP, or ask for extra chipotle chicken in your bowl at Gigi’s. Now is the time to indulge!
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