Shopping in every clearance aisle, using coupons for groceries and walking to school are all reasonable attempts to try and be frugal. Despite those efforts, you’re still probably wasting money.

Search tuition fees on MySacState and take a look at what you pay for.

The paper you are reading costs $3 a semester and student health and counseling services are $15 a semester whether you use them. If you have not joined any recreational sports you’ve just wasted $12.

Never attended any FREE collegiate games? There goes $125.25 out of your bank account.

Tuition is higher than ever and students are not getting the most bang for their buck. There are many things on campus students pay for and don’t use at all.

The Well is a facility often seen as an expensive accommodation. No matter what you think about The Well, it’s a part of our tuition and should be used.

“We have something for everyone, whether someone enjoys fitness or being with a group, this is a great place to meet people and create better friendships with their classmates,” said Jessica Roesemann, manager of Member Services at The Well.

Roesemann said The Well gets more than 2,000 people a day, but is capable of handling more.

Sporting events also go unnoticed with the bulk of attendance coming from rivalry games, and interest often evaporates during the course of a season. In 2009, the average attendance for home games was 7,576; the Causeway Classic alone doubled this at 17,127.

“Our recent student body is still learning about who we play,” said Athletic Director Terry Wanless. “It is also a history of failure to win enough games to create an energy that sweeps through campus.”

Win or lose, these games are a purchase. Each student pays for these games to operate and happen – why not attend and support your school?

The University Union is a huge factor in our tuition fees. The Union is also one of the most populated buildings on campus; however, it can also be one of the most under-appreciated.

The Game Room, Terminal Lounge, the University Union Gallery, Mellow Me Out and all of the events the Union and UNIQUE holds – all of these amenities are funded by our tuition and overlooked by too many students.

More students should take time out of their busy day and attend a game, visit the Union Gallery, or get curious and attend one of the events held at the Union.

Tuition fees are tough enough along with the economy in its current state. Let’s all get the most of our money and show some school pride at the same time.

Artie Valenzuela can be reached at [email protected]