Inflation continues to be a major issue for people across the U.S., including at the University of Detroit Mercy.
The prices of everything from eggs to raw materials have risen over the past year. Although the rate of increase has cooled, and some relief for Michiganders could be coming in the form of $180 inflation relief checks later this year, students on campus say higher prices have made it tougher to make tuition payments, meet dietary requirements and otherwise make ends meet.
MBA candidate Madison English says her academic schedule only allows her to work a few days a week, which puts a stress on her budget as she tries to pay for her education.
“Deciding what items are dire and what can wait when shopping has become difficult,” she said. “Considering that university tuition is my main priority, other necessities have to be put on hold.”
But tuition is not the only monetary obligation that students deal with.
Whether one is living on campus, on their own or at home with their parents, paying for food is a necesity. For those who commute, the prices at the drive-thru may look dif- ferent and the receipt from Starbucks may hit the wallet a little harder.
For those who cook, it is the grocery bill that shows inflation’s impacts.
Crea Sidney, a third-year Biology major, said her mom instilled fiscal responsibility in her from a young age.
As a student who lives on campus and cooks her meals, Sidney has had to remind herself of those lessons as she shops for her groceries.
“I never go to the store without looking up if my grocery list items have a coupon,” she said.
In addition to the coupons, she takes other actions to cut back on the grocery total.
“I try to grow my own herbs so that I’m not spending those extra $4,” she said.
Transportation can also be a point of tension.
Mackenzie Wise, a senior Biology major, commutes daily from Harrison Township.
The wear and tear on her car from the mileage is becoming evident.
“Commuting to school every weekday and then driving every weekend to-and-from work has my car running on fumes,” she said. “Last semester, I had my engine repaired and now the battery needs to be replaced. I work as much as I can but between paying for my school expenses, these car repairs and everything else, I have to think about taking out a personal loan.”
