The Daily Campus

Issue date: 8/4/08 Section: Commentary

The time may have finally come when students need to start taking advantage of Dominos' pizza deals rather than splurging on Sgt. Pepperoni or substituting Natural Ice for Corona. With gas, food and alcohol prices on the rise, students need to pay attention to the economy now before they have to pay later - literally.

The lowest gas price in Storrs is $4.15 per gallon. With prices that high, it may be time for students to consider the bus system or even walking. Although walking in ever-changing UConn weather isn't the most appealing idea, it could be beneficial. With a campus that spans 4,104 acres of land, students can easily cut costs on gas while cutting down inches on their waists as well.

But the worsening economy doesn't just affect students with cars on campus. Food prices are increasing as well. Ordering wings every weekend may not be an option anymore. A growing number of businesses are including a fuel surcharge in their costs, raising the final cost of food. Students should opt for the mysterious pasta and hamburger meat dish in the dining hall.

According to Consumer Reports, food prices were up 4.6 percent overall between February 2007 and February 2008. Mindy Lachapelle, vice president of operation for PriceRite Supermarkets, agreed that grocery prices are on the rise.

"It depends on the commodity," she said. "The cost of rice has more than doubled and the costs of basic things like milk are going crazy."

Soon, a few cases of Ramen noodles may be a burden on students' wallets. Students can put the money that they would otherwise spend on frivolous things toward college loans to avoid growing interest rates. Loan interest is already high; in five years the cost of interest could make UConn appear to have the same tuition as Yale.

While some students currently receive help from their parents or family members, they may not have that option after graduation. Due to the fact that people are retiring later and outliving their pensions, young adults will need to become financially independent at an earlier age and begin to make economic decisions based on the future.

That doesn't mean that students have to cut all costs. There are numerous activities that cost little or nothing at all. Movies at the Student Union only cost $2 while activities at Late Night are free. There are plenty of ways to get through college and have fun while saving money.



The Daily Campus editorial is the official opinion of the newspaper and its editorial board.

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