Saving Money

Ok, so I have a a plan to save over the summer, but I've heard it nearly impossible to save any money if you don't buy a mini fridge and shop. I plan to stay in commons dorms though, so I'm not going to have a kitchen. Should I really expect to run my bank dry eating at the employee cafe? or is that simply exaggeration?

If you only eat at the employee cafeteria, I don't think you'll clear your bank account just by eating. From what I hear, it's an average of $3 per meal.

I'm sure if you're really careful with your money, you can save up a little bit. Just remember that this job isn't meant to make you rich, so don't expect to pay for a semester of university or a brand new car with it. ;)

You won't run your bank account dry eating at the employee cafe. And I suggest bringing a mini fridge. I don't recommend eating Top Ramen for dinner every day. You need a decent meal at least 3 times a week if you want to stay full of energy and awake for your job. I don't really know how to help other than with these suggestions. I stayed in Bayside and they had a full kitchen. So I ate pretty well most of the time.

OH, and my paychecks were pretty decent. I always had extra spending money and stuff. I'm sure I could have saved that extra $$, but I didn't. lol :-)

Ok just to let you know the dorms are small . Its better to get a ton of friends and get a aparment. I am currently at Cp and there is not a ton of room to make food . AND EATing a -lot of processsed food is not good but the cp store sells a ton of it .

You run your bank account dry by going out to Bdubs and Louie's 5 nights a week. If you limit the number of nights you go out and mostly stick to the cafeteria and whatever you can nuke in your room, you'll be fine.

I highly suggest investing in a dorm size refrigerator and a shelving unit or two to store food.

The employee cafeteria is very affordable and offers good food, plus a great place to meet new friends, etc....but it's nice to have food available in your room.

I agree that you should absolutely NOT eat ramen noodles or processed foods every day either!!! You will be working a LOT of hours with rude guests during unpredictable weather, so you need to be mentally prepared by having a well balanced meal.

There are grocery stores within a car ride's distance,..and if you want to consider healthy, organic, natural foods that are incredibly affordable....I would make a road trip to Trader Joe's at Crocker Park, which is about a 45 minute drive EAST off Rte 2- Crocker/Bassett Rd. exit. The selection is incredible and the prices are super cheap!!

Food is not going to kill your bank account, it is all the attractions around the area that will get you in trouble. Louie's is one, then you are also only an hour from Cleveland and a short boat ride from Put In Bay. Give yourself an allowance every week and you will be fine.

I would second what everyone said, with the added suggestion of befriending people who live in Bayside or in town and have a food night every so often. I remember taco nights so fondly...

Ryan Mahaffey said:
I would make a road trip to Trader Joe's at Crocker Park, which is about a 45 minute drive EAST off Rte 2- Crocker/Bassett Rd. exit. The selection is incredible and the prices are super cheap!!

There's a Trader Joe's nearby? I smell a road trip!