Holiday Season Employment Opportunities

If you're still trying to find part-time employment on campus, you may find it easier to instead work off-campus at one of the many area retailers. While November and December may not be the best time to find university jobs, it happens to be the best time to find part-time retail work. So, while you wait for the new spring job list, take a look at this article from CNN Money and start applying to some local shops.

Where to look:

Watertown & Arsenal malls

Stores like Old Navy, Marshall's, Target, Best Buy and the Gap will be hiring extra workers for the holiday season. The location is easily accessible from Waltham via the 70 & 70a buses.

You may also choose to spend the day walking around Harvard Square and Newbury Street (both reached quickly and easily via the Brandeis shuttle). Each of these areas have a large selection of stores and would be a great way to kick off your holiday job hunt. Make sure you take a look at the Form I-9 online here to ensure that if you are offered a job, you'll have the proper identification to be hired.

While some of the available jobs may turn into permanent part-time positions, keep in mind that most will be "temporary" or "seasonal," so it's best to keep an eye out for spring postings on campus if you're looking for a permanent gig.

Good luck!

Savvy Student

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The Golden Rule...

Life's Golden Rule is to treat others how you wish to be treated. When it comes to your money, the same rule still applies - treat your money how you wish to be treated. What do I mean? It's simple, really.

Your money, your credit score, and your spending habits are all a direct reflection of you. If your goal is to be treated with respect and perceived as a responsible adult, you will handle your money accordingly. As such, you will probably create a budget and stick to it, while tracking all of your expenditures. Students in this category will have a higher credit score, which is a good indication of how likely you are to pay your bills on time. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate and, ultimately, the cheaper the items will be that you are investing in.

Do you have tendencies towards disorganization? Are you focusing more on your wants than simply your needs? If so, your personal finance skills will suffer and you will be haunted by a series of bad decisions and long recovery time. The free spirit, party boy/girl reputation may be fun while at college, but always remember the Golden Rule because it still applies. Do you want to be seen as unreliable and therefore your money being treated as such? Of course not! So, if you want your money to work for you, you have to treat it with respect. Money doesn't grow on tree's, but it can multiply in a savings account or proper investment account. this will only work if both the individual and money are maturing.

In the simplest of terms, do not spend more than you have, and do not use credit cards or loans to pad your lifestyle.

Wells Fargo has a great money management blog called the Student Loandown. There is also other very valuable information on their website specific to college student finances. Writer Ben Osmond speaks about the "Simple Rules for Success in College". Please check out his article here.

If the Golden Rule is to treat others how you wish to be treated, then the Platinum Rule is treat others how they wish to be treated. Your money should be treated with respect and honor because it was earned out of hard work. Money should multiply and grow. It does not want to be wasted on late fee's or overdraft fee's bred out of irresponsibility. Whether you receive a paycheck or you took out loans to help afford school you want to be certain that your money is not being spent frivolously or without purpose.

The next time you make a purchase think about it. Decide how it will affect you in the long run and whether the cost per use is enough to validate the sale. And, don't forget to check out Wells Fargo, Student Loandown!

Thanks,

Savvy Student

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Mountain Madness

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder it is a sure sign that winter is right around the corner. Now for some people it's best to just hunker down, wait it out and reappear in the spring, kind of like Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog. For others, however, especially in New England it's best to bundle up and ride the mountain, taking in all the fresh air and great views. Yet, if you are new to the area or have spent the winter trying to catch snowflakes on your tongue you may be unprepared for such winter activities as skiing, sledding, skating and snowboarding.

So, if you are waiting by the sidelines for winter to come and go, wait no longer. Take The Situation (hehehe) into your own hands and get prepared for a winter full of fun outdoor madness. The more it snows, the more fun you'll have.

The biggest hurdle to overcome besides the cold is the money involved in affording such fun. Well, although the outdoors is free, most of the activities are not and equipment can be somewhat costly. But, instead of saying "forget it" please keep reading.

Not to bury the lead, but if you are looking for skis, snowboards, boots or bindings and the cost has you twitching, you can go to Building 19 in Burlington, MA for their mega ski sale this Saturday (10/23). If you get their early enough you'll be shredding in style. The quality and pricing may vary, but you can expect to find gear starting at $40 and up.

If you are unable to make it on Saturday, there are still deals to be had. Play it Again Sports is another great solution for building your winter activity portfolio. There are several locations, but as the name implies you are buying gently used or refurbished equipment.

If you are inclined towards purchasing items online there are a few great websites to check out. Backcountryoutlet.com offers a huge discount on clothing and gear. Sometimes colors and sizing are limited, but you can always check for deals on the main site, Backcountry.com. Steapandcheap.com is another online retailer that offers one deal at a time until either the clock runs out (every 20 minutes) or until the items are sold. You can expect to find a range of items from clothing, shoes, and camping gear to coats, bags and sunglasses. Steapandcheap will also display deals from its cousin websites such as Tramdock.com, WhiskeyMilitia.com and Chainlove.com. Each of the above sites specializes either in winter/ski gear, skateboarding gear, etc.

With all of your gear squared away you will be ready to hit the slopes in no time. Getting inexpensive lift tickets, however, can be another hurdle, but if you begin your search early enough you should be able to snag a great deal. Some mountains, including Wachusett and Nashoba Valley will discount their season passes if you buy before a certain day. Also, lift tickets are cheaper at night or when purchased in a group.

If you would rather spend your time on a frozen pond or at a rink there are several to choose from. Of course, ponds are free you just need the skates which you can get at a thrift store, discount retailer, etc. As for an ice rink, between the Frog Pond in Boston or the skating facilities at Nashoba, you'll be able to rent skates and have access to the rink for roughly $12 per session.

With all of these winter activities you will be able to conquer the cold, save money and it will be spring again before you know.

See you on the Northface,

Savvy Student

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Trick or Treat, Scholarships are Sweet!!!

With each passing semester, student loan debt gets scarier. But instead of being haunted by thoughts of repayment, Savvy Student wants to help untangle your web of concern. Instead of dressing like a ghost or goblin this Halloween, put on your "most likely to succeed" costume and keep reading...

Instead of filling your bag with candy this year, why not fill it with money instead - hypothetically anyways! There are numerous websites for outside-scholarship opportunities including our own through Student Financial Services. With so much FREE money at your fingertips, we wanted to help you get started.

To begin, we have recently come across a scholarship resource called Lilyslist. This website was published in the October/November issue of the Student Loan Buying Guide magazine. Created roughly eight months ago, Lilyslist offers any individual with current student loan debt the opportunity to publish information about their career goals and student loan debt online. In turn, family, friends and alumni can donate money directly to the student's loan account. This is a nice way to help rid yourself of mountains and mountains of debt incurred after graduation. Suggest it as a nice holiday, birthday or graduation gift.

Another useful ingredient in your cauldron of success is www.scholarships4school.com. This site is free to use and well organized. There are suggestions on where to find scholarships as well as a categorized list of opportunities.

As your Tricks and Treats wear down for the night, you may wish to consider another avenue for outside money. If essays are not your strong suit, you can search for unique scholarships that may require creativity over writing skills. For example, there are scholarships awarded for dwarfism, for height, for being left-handed and even for those that have the best "buy/sell" stock predictions. Add to that list Starfleet Academy Scholarships and The Klingon Language Institute for Memorial Scholarship, which is a Star Trek scholarship for language and linguistic students.

Hopefully your candy bag is filled with yummy treats, but if not, at least you have a few tricks up your sleeve to help afford college.

Happy Haunting,

Savvy Student

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Scary Cheap Halloween Tricks and Treats

Frightened by all the costs lurking behind your ideal Halloween? Savvy Student is here to shed some light on the shadows and protect you with a salt-circle of thrilling but wallet-friendly fun.

DO NOT spend a lot of money on your costume. No college student should willingly spend $60 or more for an over produced costume from a costume shop or Halloween Store. The costumes available for purchase are generally made from cheap fabric and can be easily copied.

Go through your own closet! You never know what those old sweaters and hats are good for. Get creative! Look around your dorm or apartment to get ideas. You may even be able to borrow your roommate's or friends accessories to help finish off your look. Costumes can be a mix of styles and genre's.

If you are still missing an essential part of your costume visit the local thrift store here in Waltham or hop on the Brandeis shuttle and visit the Garment District. If you start planning early enough chances are you will be able to create an original costume or revive one from prior years.

Lastly, refer to our popular post from last year titled: DIY Halloween Costumes.

Now all you need is your train ticket to Salem,

Savvy Student

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Budget-Friendly Fall Fun (BFFF)

There is nothing better than fall in New England, from the array of colors, apple orchards, and clean, crisp air to, of course, football season with Tom Brady and the Patriots. No matter the season, there is always something fun to do or somewhere unique to go in and around Massachusetts. We have picked a variety of activities that can be enjoyed on a college student's budget. So, if you are interested in seeing what sets New England apart from the rest of the country, please read on...

1. Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking

There are several apple orchards near Waltham where you can enjoy hot cider, fresh donuts, apples, and pears. The more popular spots are located just west of Brandeis, like at Honey Pot Hill, Carlson, or Carver orchards. Oftentimes, Brandeis coordinates Saturday bus trips to one of these locations, so feel free to check with Student Activities. If you've had your fill of apples and your interest lies in the "Great Pumpkin," you can find an array of sizes and colors at local farm stands, grocery stores, or any of the above-listed orchards. You may even want to check out the Waltham Farmers Market for some good fall deals.

You can find a list of MA orchards here. Keep in mind most of these farms have home-grown and homemade items in their shops throughout the year, but are only open temporarily for picking season.

2. Take Advantage of the Off Season deals to Cape Cod and other destinations in Massachusetts.

Many of the NE summer hot spots, such as the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, or Newport, R.I., have fantastic off-season deals for those who wish to enjoy the changing seasons. The prices drop significantly after Labor Day at tourist destinations in and around Massachusetts. This can be a great time to visit places that are traditionally crowded during the summer, but still offer year-round activities.

3. Get Out

Take a walk or drive through the streets of Massachusetts. Prospect Hill and Wachusett Mountain offer fantastic views of all the fall foliage. By exploring a little, you may find a hidden gem that sells hot cider or apple crisp. What is more New England than that?

4. Cold-Weather Camping

Many campgrounds are still open for the fall season, so it's still a great way to get away from college stresses for a couple of days. Check with the Mountain Club (MountainQM@brandeis.edu) if you don't have any gear, as you may be able to borrow theirs on occasion. Look back to our Cheap Summer Fun Camping (2010) blog for more ideas.

6. Biking

Rent a bike from DeisBikes for the day and explore the area. Wear a backpack to bring your meal with you, and just get lost! (You might want to remember to save enough time to find your way back to return the bikes on time.)

Have other Fall fun ideas you'd like to share? Send them to us at sfs@brandeis.edu!

~Savvy Student

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Living Off Campus...Now What?

Have you recently traded your on-campus diggs for off-campus city living? Having an apartment for the first time can be quite exciting- a new space all to yourself. However, having to furnish an apartment can be quite costly and overwhelming. With furniture and food not readily available it can be stressful thinking about where to get plates, glasses and silverware, not to mention a bed, linens or desk. But (dundadadun) never fear, Savvy Student is here and we have the 411 to put all your fears to rest.

Remember that you are still in college and will have plenty of time to buy nice things for future homes. Get only what you need or will truly put to use, and make sure to get it cheap. Chances are you will either have to get rid of some things when moving to a new place or they may be destroyed from wear and tear, so investing a lot of money into your apartment might not be the wisest decision. Things happen, and your college-age apartment should be flexible enough to handle everyday use without breaking your bank or your heart.

For furniture or odds and ends, shop around. You can snag great deals on my.brandeis.edu or Craigslist. You can also find cheap home goods at a thrift store or garage sale. Try raiding your parent's basement or garage for old items you can reuse, what is better than free? If you have roommates decide what each of you will contribute, lessening the individual burden. If you do need to go shopping remember that you are in college and although Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and William Sonoma sound great, you may be on a Kmart, Walmart or Christmas Tree Shops budget.

Depending on your apartment and lifestyle, it may not hurt to invest in one piece of good furniture, such as a mattress. Just keep in mind your budget and what you actually NEED, not what you may WANT. Live within your means, do not rely on student loans as a way to afford things you may not ordinarily have the cash for.

If you are going to be living with roommates, you may want to invest in a membership to Costco or BJ's - just make sure it will be worth the annual fee and that you have a way to get there.

Only think about the necessities. It's understandable that you may want to watch television here and there or surf the web, but start off slow. Brandeis has wireless connection throughout campus and the library is open until 2 am. You can use these resources to finish that paper and not have to pay the costly fees of Internet and cable.

As a college student, Savvy Student understands that there is budget to stick to and we are helping you do just that. Think wisely of every purchase for your brand new apartment. It does not have to be completely furnished in the first few days. Pace yourself--it will look like a home in due time.

Happy Home Making,

Savvy Student

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Know Your Resources - MyBrandeis

Tired of using Craigslist to sell your old bike or electronics? Has Ebay become too expensive? These websites are a convenient way for students to earn extra cash for those items in the corner collecting dust, but they can also be a bit suspect at times. A great alternative to these sites and perhaps a hidden gem at Brandeis is the my.brandeis.edu classified ads. This website offers students the opportunity to connect with one another to buy and sell items, be part of PAID research opportunities, share carpools and other awesome chances to network with other Brandeis students and local people in need of assistance.

If you are viewing this site for the first time you can be assured that all the wanted and for sale ads are legitimate, as you need a Brandeis issued email address to post the information. Additionally, if you plan to sell your items you can use the campus for your pick-up address. Please be advised for job postings, off-campus housing or other ads a Brandeis email address is not required.

Aside from job postings and items for sale, my.brandeis.edu also has a great calendar with all upcoming on campus events. So, next time you are about to search ebay or craigslist, be savvy and check your own campus first.

~ Savvy Student

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