The rising prices of goods and services at Bakersfield College give students just a taste of what is waiting for them in the real world. Of course, it’s not fun to shell out more money for items like food, books and supplies on a yearly basis, but that’s the price you pay for a college degree.
There are ways for students to save money. One way they can be more efficient with their spending is by taking advantage of used books. Between every semester students line up along the walkway leading into the bookstore screaming, “Buy my book. You need my book, don’t you?!” Listen to these people. They only want to save you from being gouged by marked-up new books.
Students are encouraged to be aware of the benefits that are being offered in the BC cafeteria as a way to offset the rising cost of college. Pat Coyle, director of food services and coordinator of the food and nutrition program, offers one-way students can save money. The student Gades’ card is an absolute necessity to have, he said. Not only is using this card the only way to print documents in the library computer commons, but it also will pay big dividends in the cafeteria.
The foods services ‘Gades’ Dollar Card Program allows students to increase the value of their dollars even more. For every $20 to $49 dollars added to the card, the value will increase by ten percent or $22. The values increase when more money is added; $50 to $90 equals a 15 percent value increase, a $100 to $149 will translate into a 20 percent added value. Any amount higher than $149 will add 25 percent to the overall value. But to get these discounts students must purchase an ASBC sticker.
These savings are good at all food services operations. The money on the card is good the entire school year. Over the course of a two-and-a-half year school career here at BC, these figures can add savings to the already-stretched college students’ budget.
The addition of an ASBC sticker ($15) to the ‘Gades card will allow students to save even more money. This sticker provides free tickets for football, basketball and baseball games. The card can also be used for off campus discounts at local businesses including Krispy Kreme, Papa O’s, The Pizza Market, The Garden Spot, Fresh Choice, Impact Streetwear, Outer Limits, Russo’s Books and many more.
The ASB sticker can be purchased at the Business Services Office Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The stickers then can be picked up at the Student Activities Office.
Students who plan on attending BC for any amount of time should to take advantage of these discounts. They are here for all of us, so resist the urge to act like you are too good to save money.
Don’t wait until your bank reaches “triple zeros” before you become a smart, thrifty amd richer college student.