Living it Up on a Budget

By Sara Shea

College is an experience unlike any other, but between tuition and books, students spend a small fortune over the course of four years. With the price of tuition rising again next year, Marist students are no exception.  So how does one still manage to enjoy college when extremely strapped for cash?

For students who do not have a car, there are several off campus dining options that are within walking distance or deliver.  The first is a staple of the Marist College campus, Campus Deli. Located directly across the street and open until at least 3 a.m. every night of the week, Campus Deli offers hot sandwiches and loads of others goodies at reasonable prices.

A great off campus dining option that delivers is Emiliano’s Pizza. Every Sunday Emiliano’s runs a “Marist Special,” which offers students free delivery and $6 large pies.

“Emiliano’s is the best pizza I’ve had in Poughkeepsie,” sophomore Marissa Conroy said. “Being Italian and coming from Staten Island, I know good pizza, and Emiliano’s definitely has it down.”

Not in the mood for pizza? Try Ginger Chinese, they offer free delivery to Marist as well as a free egg roll and soda with the purchase of any lunch or dinner special.

For students who do have access to transportation, the Hudson Valley is overflowing with places to go, things to do, and top rated restaurants to try. The Eveready Diner, located about five miles south on Route 9, has been recognized by The Food Network as one of the best diners in the nation. Though the prices at The Eveready are already pretty cheap, Marist students get an additional 15% off their bill with their students I.D. card.

As far as entertainment is concerned, Marist could not be in a better location. From drive-in movie theaters to Broadway trips, the possibilities are endless.  The Hyde Park Drive-In Theater is just a few minutes south of Marist.

Open since 1949, the drive-in's 82 inch screen has played movies for generations.

Though the theater is closed for most of the academic year, it re-opens every year on April 15^th, giving Marist students about a month to enjoy the big screen. Admission is $7 regularly, but on Tuesdays adults can get in for $5. Compared to the usual $10.50 at the Galleria, Tuesdays at the Drive-In are a steal.

Finally, Marist students can take trips to New York City. Whether they go through the school or on their own, students can travel round trip for under $40. Students must go on at least one Broadway trip during their four years at Marist. For $25 students are bussed to and from the city and receive tickets to big name Broadway shows. 

The train station is walking distance from Marist and a roundtrip ticket to New York City on Metro-North Railroad is $26.50.  Only an hour and a half train ride from the Big Apple, students should take full advantage and visit the city as often as possible.

“There’s always something to do in the city,” freshman Kara Chamberlain said. “When I went last weekend I saw them setting up fashion week and when I went earlier this semester I saw ‘Wicked’ on Broadway. I could never get bored in New York, that’s one of the main reasons I chose Marist.” 

Students at Marist work extremely hard, so it is only fair that they have fun in their free time. Whether students are looking for some good grub or a weekend adventure they should never let a lack of funds limit their college experience. 

Food for Thought, Or in This Case Gifts!

By Ashley Posimato

Freshly blooming romance?  Long time lovers?  There is one day (and one day only) where any age-determined label attributed to your relationship suddenly becomes insignificant.  For all people, in all stages of the game, the mere mention of this date evokes an array of emotions.  Valentine’s Day is happy and sad, it’s special and depressing, it’s a moment to celebrate and a moment to mourn; a day that in one way or another challenges us to feel.

But long before the various effects of this holiday are determined, there is one preparatory question penetrating the minds of romantics everywhere: What in the world do I buy?

Because on this very important day, gifts are not only symbols of affection- they’re deal breakers. And for college kids who have been struggling financially long before the economy dipped so low, finding the perfect gift is not an easy task.

However some of the ladies at Marist College seemed to have cooked up some good ideas.  Davia Spado and Courtney Miskel, both juniors at Marist College, say that although it is easy to fall victim to the commercialized prices of the holiday, just a little thought and a lot of sugar can make this special night extra sweet without the extra spending.

“My boyfriend was coming all the way from home to see me,” Miskel said. “To show my appreciation, I made a red velvet layer cake.  It took me nearly three hours but it was something we enjoyed together and what’s better than that?”

Spado, after hearing of her friend’s idea, decided to do something similar for her special someone.

“Courtney’s decision to bake was inspiring,” Spado said. “So rather than spend money to show my affection, I showed him through my hard work.  I made bread pudding for the first time, and I have to say I was just as pleased as he was!”

And these two couples were not the only ones putting on their aprons and heating up the kitchen.

Bethanne Tantillo and Justin Sous, also juniors at Marist College, have been dating for over a year and agreed to rely on their creativity, and a well-equipped kitchen, to make their night successful.

“I just spent so much money on him for Christmas and I couldn’t do it again,”  Tantillo said.  “So I called his mom and got the recipe for his favorite dinner…he loved it!”

Dining-in saved them the aggravation of an inflated check for a (mediocre at best) pre-fixed menu they would have been forced to order from; staying home allowed them to work together and really enjoy each other.

Cooking from the heart. Photo: Heliotrop3 flickr.com

“She told me what I needed to get, where I had to put it, and then corrected me when I did it wrong,” Sous said. “We did more laughing around the kitchen, and had a much better meal then any over priced restaurant.”

These two young lovers  prove that budgeted romance is not only doable- it’s fun!

“Justin is always so good to me,” Tanillo said, “I was happy to do something nice for him.”

“Now I know two important things” Sous said. “One, that amount of money you spend doesn’t matter[...]and two, that my girl can cook!”