Cheap tricks

Very few students have the financial backing to live the high life in university. Some are fortunate enough to have a good job and plenty of parental support, but most of us generally have to stretch our budgets. Living cheaply, especially in Halifax’s South End, isn’t easy. Following this advice might help.

Avoid Spring Garden Road. Clothing stores, cafes, bars—everything there is designed to take your money. Even standing on the sidewalk can cost you money. There are people with guitars, accordions, and sometimes just a cup. Maybe you think you’re the type that can avoid tossing a loonie as you pass by, but can you really say no? Some of them are creative. One man came up to me and said, “Spare change for belly-dancing lessons?”

Sales are your friend.  Stock up on the items you know you’re going to use. If you drink a lot of pop, stock up on it when it goes on sale for 99 cents. Every penny counts. You can find big savings on costly toiletries such as deodorant and shampoo. Don’t stock up on things you won’t use, even if they are a bargain.

Some things are just cheap and make a good alternative to more expensive goods. A bag of assorted rolls, for example, is under four bucks at most grocery stores. Though it might cost more than a bag of bread, it’s a cheap way to spice things up. Canned juice is another bargain, although admittedly this may not be very dorm-friendly.

Generic stores brands aren’t as good as name brands. We all know that; why kid ourselves? People buy them because they’re cheaper, and you should too.

Did you know you can buy underwear at the dollar store? Think of the savings! No—that’s probably bad advice. If you’re willing to travel around Halifax though, go to the Salvation Army. (There’s one on Strawberry Hill Road in the North End.) Sure, somebody else wore them, but you can get a full wardrobe for the price of American Eagle striped crew sweater.

One more point: Drinking is expensive. I’m not telling you to change anything. I’m just reminding you.

Living as a student is easy if you have the resources. For most of Dal’s students, however, living cheaply is the only way to go.