University of Minnesota Parent Guide
Because Living Like a Student Now Means You Won’t Have to Later
College is a great time for students to learn important money managing skills that will prevent you from getting the “please send money” phone call. Below are several ways in which your student can get the most bang for their buck.
Job Opportunities. It’s important for students to start working in order to start saving money. There are many student jobs on campus that your student can apply for, which can include working in the residence hall dining rooms, the campus bookstore, or refereeing club sports. This is a great way for them to meet other students, get involved on campus, and make money at the same time.
Food. Socializing means sitting with friends over coffee or pizza, but going out to eat can add up. Many campus organizations will offer free food at meetings and events. This is an opportunity for students to learn more about what’s going on around campus, join a club, and get a free meal. Another alternative to eating out is to make use of the student kitchens in the residence halls. The front desks provide pots and pans so students don’t have to worry about supplying their own.
Transportation. A student bus pass can be purchased for under $100 per semester. With this U-Pass your student can get to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis on the bus or to the airport or the Mall of America on the light-rail. If you are visiting for a weekend and don’t feel like driving around the city, you may want to purchase a Metro Transit day pass. For more information, please visit the U-Pass website and the Metro Transit website.
Fun. The University offers many free and inexpensive activities students can participate in. Gophers After Dark is a student group that puts together fun and free activities every weekend that include indoor and outdoor games, food, and free movies at the Coffman Theater. If your student is looking to get away from campus for a bit, there are plenty of destinations that have free admission at least once a week. These include the Como Zoo, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and many more.
Encourage your student to take advantage of all of these opportunities around campus and the cities because saving money doesn’t have to be a chore.
