How to Guide Final

How to be Financially Savvy

One thing that every college student has in common is their lack of money; I don’t think you will talk to one student who could say they could not use more of it. The problem today is young college students are not being smart with the money that they do make. Throughout this how to guide we will fill you in on some key things that you must know if you plan to make it in the greater Clifton area. We will let you know about the affordable yesterday around town where you can fill up and not break the bank. Also what places to go to when you want to party? We reveal the best local bars, and who really has the best deals in town. Finally we will let you know what types of scams there are looming around each street corner, and who the people to stay away from are.
Besides all of the reasons that I have previously mentioned there may be one thing more important than all three. And that would be actually having a job, no one in today’s economy can survive without a job its just impossible. In my opinion a student should work a minimum of 20 hours a week, although I know school can seem like a full time job it unfortunately does not pay the bills. A student must also have some kind of bank account whether it be savings or checking’s you need somewhere to store that money you are earning, and from personal experience believe me you do not want to carry the money you make around on you. Not only do you risk the chance of losing the money or getting it stolen, I have found that the more cash you carry with you the more likely you will spend it. This is not good if you want to be a savvy spender.
Now that I have mentioned the preliminary things you must do, here are the ways you, as a student at U.C can survive the streets of Clifton.
Avoiding Scammers

For the incoming freshman and new students at the University of Cincinnati, a few lessons must be learned. Most people hear stories when they arrive at a new location about the events that take place in the area. While there are many rumors, a lot of the things you may have heard happen to be true. So, pay attention and keep the stories you hear in mind.
Scammers, they’re everywhere; at office buildings, in neighborhoods, and others places, but have you heard of the ones around UC? There are plenty of people trying to get money from unsuspecting people. One should realize that there is a difference between a homeless person and a person who just wants money. Even though both homeless people and scammers ask for money, a homeless person is willing to take food from you. A person who is scamming will most likely deny the food and continue to ask for the money instead. On this campus, you should know who our scammers are and the nicknames that have been given to some of them. There is Dollar Lady, The Woman with Two Beers, a mother and her son asking for money, and the ever popular, Lance. Lance is the biggest scammer of them all. He is so determined that he’ll follow you all the way down Calhoun Street and be friendly with you. I’ve heard from six people, seven including myself, the stories Lance tells. The story might be heartfelt if he did not tell it to everyone, each time changing the location of the city he is trying to return to.
Another piece of information you should know is that if you are asked for money and you do not have any or do not want to give cash, do not tell them what you do have. If you have a checkbook, ATM card, Debit card, or Credit card, keep that information to yourself. Just because you don’t have cash on you, does not mean you don’t have access to it. It might sound rude, but the best way to avoid a scammer is to ignore them. The person will probably be upset with you, but it keeps money and information away from a person who probably should not have it.
As college students, we barely have enough money to keep as pocket change. There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving someone money who you feel needs it, but watch out for those scamming folks. They stay strong in their game and do not back down.

Efficient Drinking

Becoming an intelligent and money conscious consumer of alcoholic beverages is tough these days, especially when you are a broke student at the University of Cincinnati. Many fellow college attendees find it tough to balance the costs of tuition, groceries and rent with the most important necessity, beer. By following this guide, UC students will be able to experience the most for their money and quench the thirst that afflicts numerous impoverished college boozers.
First, for those who prefer to drink in the privacy of their own home you will need to hunt through the local grocery store in your area, such as Krogers on Vine St. Big stores normally carry the biggest quantities and largest selection of beer, like 24 and 30-packs that tend to be the best deals. You should expect to pay around ten dollars for a 30-pack of Miller High Life, Natural Light or for those who prefer a stronger beer, Icehouse. A normal college student can make a 30-pack last for a week. When rationed out equally over a one-week period you end up spending just under $1.50 per day, which is not an overwhelming price to pay for such a vital part of college life.
For those who choose to find a more social setting, look no further than the immediate surroundings of your college campus. Numerous bars and clubs within walking distances of the campus offer various deals and specials throughout the week. The Holy Grail, Woodys, Martinos, Top Cats all have one-dollar draft beer nights or one-dollar well drink nights. Since the most popular bar nights are Friday and Saturday, Monday through Thursday typically serve as some of the more popular nights for discounted drinks. In addition to Clifton, the downtown area has many bars with weekday specials. Check your local pubs to find out exactly when they offer specials.
So whether drinking at home alone or at the bar with friends, this simple guide can help you find the most economically conservative methods to get your booze on. Have fun and drink responsibly.