By Jamie Atkinson

In a crumbling economy, the average American’s budget continually gets tighter. And here we are, college students, already renowned for scraping by on ramen and pure ingenuity, attempting to fill our bellies on Lackmann prices. So what are you to do when trying to make your meal plan last? We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep eating cheap on campus, well, cheaper.

1. Buy for quantity.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Quality comes before quantity. But let’s be real, some of these meals are big. Furthermore, if you don’t finish your food, run back in and grab a box to make it to go. It’ll save you the trip to Dutch Treats and inevitable $20 you’ll spend there.

2. Get your drinks in cups, not bottles.?

I know this is only really an option at the Student Center and Bits ‘n Bytes, but even just by skipping the plastic bottles there you’ll cut unbelievable amounts of money. When I switched over to the cups last spring semester, I saved over $150. This is because they are frequently rung up as empty cups or water (costing roughly 10 cents a pop). Who can argue with that?

3. Know the prices of what you’re buying and speak up when things don’t look right.

I know we all hate to be that kid that holds up the line, but when my bag of chips and drink ring up as $10, something’s wrong. Accidents do happen, which is why you should look alive and be ready every time you check out. If you slip up and pay $15 for your hamburger and fries every time you go through the line, you’re going to end up losing some serious dough on minor cashier mistakes.

4. Buy your fruit au naturale, not pre-sliced.

Now, I love those little fruit trays they sell all over campus just as much as the next girl. I don’t love paying $3 for orange slices, though. Save your money, buy the fruit in its natural form and save two dollars with every purchase.

5. Buy daily staples from a grocery store (even Dutch Treats, if you have to).

?If you find that every day you’re eating the same things at certain meals, the odds are that you’ll save considerable cash by buying your bagels and cream cheese from Stop & Shop. Things like peanut butter, jelly, bagels, fruit, ice cream and soups can keep you full when you’re studying late and keep you from raiding Dutch Treats at 3 o’clock in the morning.

6. Go crazy with Food Friendzy.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, you have not lived. Primarily a great tool for students living within the vicinity of the University, Food Friendzy is a Facebook application from the great people at CampusFood.com. Campusfood provides a convenient online way to find restaurants, view menus and order foods from local places (most of which deliver). Food Friendzy is a tile game that allows you to win discounts from the site ranging from 50 cents to $10.

7. Be friendly and polite with the employees.?

This is a big one and a major problem on campus. Honestly, some students treat the Lackmann employees like sewer rats, and it’s pretty disgusting. And I’m not going to say that I don’t laugh at those ungrateful patrons when I notice the sticker on their food is overcharging them $3. Being nice to the employees often gets you better food, and if you’re paying eight dollars for an omelet, it should be delicious. Making friends with the employees drastically improves the quality and quantity of your food. Plus, it’s just common courtesy.

9. Take advantage of the daily specials.?

The Hofstra Deli and Bits ‘n Bytes both offer daily specials that include a drink and an entrée or sandwich and chips for usually $6. It keeps you on your toes with the variety and your meal plan full.

10. Eat at Charcoals and Pan Asia.?

No seriously, everything at Charcoals (that grill, in the corner, next to the omelets, that one) is under $5 except the N.Y. steak sandwich. Pan Asia’s better dishes (dumplings, teriyaki chicken, veggies, lo mein) are all under $5 and usually fill you up for at least the time being.

Overall, using common sense and making a few simple switches in your daily plan can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Not only will it give you some spare cash, but it’ll keep you from smuggling your food out under your jacket come the end of the semester.