Top 10: Eating on a budget

Let's face it: college tuition, the five textbooks you needed for that honors class you're taking and your upgrade to the iPhone 4 probably has your bank account in the red. What do you do when Easy Mac just isn't going to cut it?

The following is a list of ways to keep your college dining experience tasty but cheap.

   1. Order off the children's menu. Restaurant prices are usually set, such as IHOP, 611 N. Main St., so there aren't any hidden fees for adults just because you're obviously older than 12.

   2. Spring for specials. You might not be a senior citizen,  but your graduation money is probably running low, so keep yourself on a budget. Daily specials will be your best friend, and they usually run under $10.

   3. Eat vegetarian. Most meatless options are cheaper than beef or chicken. You'll save more than a dollar by ordering something without meat, and you'll be combating the freshmen 15 that's threatening to show up around your waistline.

   4. Go out for lunch instead of dinner.  The portions aren't necessarily smaller, but the prices definitely are.

   5. Be a coupon queen (or king). Local businesses are practically throwing free food at college students, so take advantage of that.  Sure, coupons are a little on the lame side, but you'll benefit from the savings in the long run.

   6. There's no need to sacrifice atmosphere for a cheap bite. Keep your eyes open for special promotions. If you want to go watch the game, hit up Buffalo Wild Wings, 1701 N. Perkins Rd., on Tuesdays for 50-cent wings, or Thursdays for 60-cent boneless wings.

   7. When you're jonesing for a fast food snack during a late night study session, opt for something off the dollar menu instead of the large No. 6 with super-sized everything.

   8. Ladies, when you're grabbing dinner before a night out on the town, opt for house salads and split appetizers. You'll still have all the fun of dressing up and going out in addition to the satisfaction of saving your cash.

   9. Many restaurants offer free meal starters such as chips and salsa or bread. Load up on those freebies and order something light.

  10.  And last but not least, soft drinks tend to be expensive at certain places.  Although ordering water might seem too bourgeois to begin your night,  get creative with your condiments.  Squeeze lemons and packets of sugar into your water , and ta-da! Poor-man's lemonade.