Value Village. They have a loyalty program there. Also, you
can buy four books and get one free. And if you love books
like me, but hate renting from the library and parting from

yout novels, give their rotating selection a go!

On the note of books, studying at the public library
is a great way to avoid spending money at cafes like Star-
bucks. While coffee can be helpful for students to focus and
stay alert, make it at home and bring it to a place without
temptations. Also, why do they insist on playing shitty “in-
die” playlists twice as loudly as they should be? Who are they
trying to impress? The library has an amazing ambience that
encourages working and doesn’t have Mac DeMarco blaring
all around you. CNC’s library is closer, but I find that there
are more distractions. Up to you, though.

Some other little hacks to save money at school: park
in the street! The parking lot is expensive. Get your daily steps
in by showing up 5 to 10 minutes earlier and parking either
on 22nd, Nicholson, or 18th Ave. I’ve saved about $800 just
by doing this. Also, bring your own reusable containers for
either water or hot beverages. You get a discount for coffees
and teas if you use your own mug. I know it just isn’t practi-
cal to suggest that students will not get their caffeine fix. Just
do it with finesse. Make sure you check in with the Students’
Union for information on insurance and the U-Pass. I knew
nothing about these benefits that I paid for with my tuition.
Utilize what you have at the college! Save some moolah. I got
my glasses reimbursed so of course I bought two more. (I

never said I was a TLC channel coupon clipper, okay?)

3. If it doesn’t spark joy, get rid of it!

That dickhead friend that always asks you for rides

and never pays you gas money, only messages back an “aw

that sucks_]” when you send a paragraph-long rant about

someone, and belittles your interests? Bye. A significant other
that does not put you first? Peace out. Self-sabotaging behav-
iours like staying up too late watching “one more episode”
or buying a textbook but not taking off the plastic wrap? It

needs to stop!

HOT TOPICS

Side note: I grew up obsessed with impressing peopl
If you’re anything like me, you succeeded in elementary an
high school, and found that post-secondary is a whole other
rodeo. Indeed, it is twice the amount of work with half th
time in which to do it. When life turned sideways at the stas
of my last semester here and I began to struggle in an Eng
lish class, the course in which I find the most joy, I realize
that maybe that particular class just was not for me. And you.
know what? It is okay to walk away from a course, a person,
whatever that makes you unhappy. I wish someone had tol
me this at that time. So now I’m telling you. The legend Ru
Paul says, “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are yo
gonna love somebody else?” Remember that!

I would like to end this on a positive note. College i
an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and a schola
The faculty at CNC are some of the most genuine, empz
thetic people I have ever met. Take the time to speak wit
your instructors and your classmates. While keeping up wit
your studies is important, remember that you are only her
for a certain amount of time. A C on a midterm is not th
end of the world. Take these stumbles and motivate yoursel
to study harder. If testing is not your strong suit, work har
on assignments and presentations. Remember to take a brea
once in a while. Treat yourself, just not too much. Most im

portantly, be kind to yourself and others.

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