???Limited funds can make it difficult for students to cover food and transportation costs, let alone entertainment. Thrifty spending and creative cost-cutting can bail students out of boredom without breaking their bank accounts.
???According to Jessica Kumro, international student adviser, the first place for students to start is a budget.
"First determine your monthly or annual income, then mark what is important to you, and finally chart out your expenses," Kumro said. "On the ISSS Web site there is a link that students can go to and find free budget sheets that are prepared for them."
???Budget sheets allow students to track the amount of money per month spent on things like food, books, transportation, and entertainment on the weekends.
???Eating well on a budget may seem tough, but Diep Thai, a graduate student studying geography, has found an easy way to keep the cost of food down.
"I use coupons for food as well as for household products and clothing," Thai said. "Also I compare prices: I write down prices for my main items, and if it goes up I go to the store where it is cheaper."
Some students said the best way to stay on budget when shopping is to stick to the basics.
???"The best way to budget on food is to stick to the necessities like milk, eggs, bread and just skip out on the expensive things you don't really need," said Kevin Simon, a senior biotechnology major.
???Although many students turn to used book Web sites, there are still thriftier ways to save on class materials.
"The cost of books is crazy so I have started going to the library to see if I can find them there and if they have them then I just either take it out, stay and read it there, or photocopy the pages I need," said Winston Duke, a senior theatre major.
???According to Simon, using public transportation or purchasing a cheap bike is more cost effective than purchasing a car, and is a great way to help the environment.
???The Buffalo Blue Bicycle program allows students to pay a seasonal membership of $25 to check out bikes from racks across the city for hours or days. Students without money can volunteer six hours of time at the program to obtain a membership.
???Students should purchase and utilize all day passes from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) rather than paying $1.50 for every bus and metro ride, Thai said.
???"The bus goes everywhere and you can plan your route at the NFTA Web site," Thai said.
???Finding furniture for your living space can be a challenge, but there are plenty of bed bug-free options.
???According to the ISSS, students should avoid using furniture that has been left out on the street. It may be free but it could contain bed bugs. The rule of thumb is to take plastic furniture and leave mattresses or couches.
???After studying all week in school, students might need a way to kick back and enjoy themselves without breaking the bank.
???"I usually try not to go to the bars too often, and I just keep it local in my apartment or a friend's apartment to save money," Simon said.
???According to Duke, saving money on other things all week allows him to do what he wants on the weekends without worrying about money.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
