Avoiding the Heat on a Budget? Don't SWEAT it!

Sorry about our brief hiatus from posting. It's been crazy in the Office of Student Financial Services since the fall bill was sent out! Here's a quick reminder that the fall bill is due AUGUST 9TH. If you're wondering how you can make payments, check out our recent blog.

________________


In the midst of another heat wave, it's easy to start spending more and more money to keep comfortable in this hot, hot weather. However, you don't have to rack up your bills in order to be comfortable. Savvy Student has put together some tips that will help you stay cool this summer without spending a lot of cash.

• Open the windows! Keep your windows and doors open to allow air to flow through your house or apartment, especially at night when the temperature cools. If you're planning on investing in a fan, consider buying a window fan to help push out the hot air and bring in a cool breeze. You can purchase a relatively cheap window fan at a nearby Target or Walgreens.
• Stay hydrated! This may seem obvious, but it's important! ALWAYS have water on hand.
• Turn off the lights during the day! Let the sun light your home during the day. You can save on electricity costs and reduce heat that is generated by your lights. If you find that the sunlight makes your apartment too hot, consider purchasing black out curtains to keep the heat out (and in during the winter). You can purchase black out curtains for as cheap as $10 at Walmart!
• Avoid the oven! This doesn't mean you should dine out every meal... that's no way to save money! However, consider eating cold foods like salads or smoothies. Also, we've heard that it helps to eat spicy foods. Spicy food makes you sweat... and sweating cools your body!
• Wear lightweight clothing! Buy tank tops, shorts, and flip flops to wear! Wear all of your cotton clothing... it breathes!
• Take cold showers! Cold showers cool you off... and you save money on your heating costs. You'll feel refreshed and when you sit down in front of your fan, you'll feel even better!
• Turn off any electronics you aren't using! Believe it or not, excess chargers, televisions, clocks, radios, and other appliances can create heat.
• Cool your pulse points! Run cold water over your wrist and/or face to help you cool off.
• Visit air-conditioned public spaces! Movie theaters, libraries, coffee shops, malls, and other public spaces can be a great way to escape the heat. Go sit down and relax at a nearby coffee shop or window shop at the mall!

Staying cool doesn't need to cause you to break the bank! Use these tips and other money-saving ideas you may have to successfully survive the summer heat while maintaining your tight budget!

Happy summer!

~ Savvy Student