For college students, daily living expenses can be overwhelming. When a student’s college fund not only pays for classes, books and project expenses, food and entertainment can cripple a budget. When parents leave it up to the student to figure it out themselves or when they provide minimal assistance, the student must use a variety of methods for eating regularly and having fun. There are many different ways college students can manage food and entertainment expenses. Some tactics require creativity, while others just take a little bit of time or discipline.

Coupons

Restaurant coupons are one of the easiest ways for college students to save money. Online coupons or printed discounts are options for students to try new establishments. They may have buy-one-get-one deals or a percentage off of certain menu items. Some larger university campuses have student unions or dormitory housing with restaurants inside. In some cases, restaurant coupon codes are available either for purchase or as part of a college savings plan.

School Dining Hall

Most colleges and universities have some type of meal plan attached to tuition. The student pays a given amount for food each semester or school year, and receives a set number of meals in return. This is helpful for those on a budget. Institutional food is traditionally known to be of lesser quality than restaurants and home-cooked meals, but edible nonetheless.

Work

One of the easiest ways to lower expenses on dining and entertainment is to get a job at a restaurant or club. While meals are not always free, the employees are often given the chance to eat the establishment’s food while on shift free or for a reasonable price. Most restaurants and clubs allow free beverages and a menu item if the employee is working more than 6 hours. They may have a restaurant discount outside of working hours. At clubs, they may gain free admission and free non-alcoholic drinks or some type of discount deals.

Discounts

Entertainment discounts are similar to restaurant coupons, but they often apply to places with more than just food. For example, bowling centers, arcades and movie theatres usually offer discounts for food, but the students must also play a game or watch a movie to get the cheap discount.

Home

One way to spend little or no money on food and entertainment is to live at home with Mom and Dad. Most meals are free and entertainment consists of family game night, television and DVD collections. For those living off campus but not with their parents, pooling resources with roommates for groceries and entertainment is another option.