Not a fan of the dining halls? We can sympathize. Here you are, nearing the end of the semester, having dwindled your spending money down to almost nothing but left with a plethora of meal points. You’ve got two options at this point: Treat your friends to an all-you-can-eat banquet at Late Night, or spend your points on random items that have little to nothing to do with food. The choice is yours.
What: Condoms
Where: Bear Market
It’s 1 a.m., and you’re getting the sense that your hot date might want to take this night to the next level. But, uh-oh, you aren’t carrying a rubber on you and Walgreens is closed! What do you do? That’s right — take your date to the most seductive spot in town, Unit 3. Whip out that Cal 1 Card, James-Bond-style, and put your meal plan to good use.
What: Batteries
Where: Bear Market
I’m not sure who still uses battery-operated Stone-Age devices, but apparently these types of people exist in the residence halls. If you’re an old-fashioned soul who enjoys playing with your Furby or brushing your teeth with a Tooth Tunes toothbrush, drain that battery late into the night without fear — Bear Market has got your back.
What: Poncho
Where: Bear Market
Heading to Niagara Falls for the weekend? Have ombrophobia, or fear of rain? Whether you have a reason or not, a poncho is a wardrobe staple. Buy it now (honestly, though, if you’re bold enough to sport a plastic hooded poncho on campus, we commend you).
What: Yoga mat
Where: RSF Pro Shop
Berkeley is chock-full of those dirty hippies, and you know how they just love to get their yoga on. Avoid coming into contact with their sweat by bringing your own yoga mat to the RSF. Forgot to bring one? That’s OK — you can spend an entire week’s worth of meal points on a purple yoga mat at the Pro Shop.
What: Gloves
Where: RSF Pro Shop
Fingerless gloves are really essential. They keep your knuckles nice and toasty, enable you to grip without trepidation and make a bold fashion statement.
What: Coffee press
Where: The Den
The last day you walk into Peet’s Coffee at The Den will be the day you buy your very own coffee press. No more waiting in line and arguing with baristas — you’ll be the fanciest person to hit Berkeley since Alice Waters … that is, until you succumb to the fro-yo machine at Crossroads and your dignity is crushed.
What: Thermos
Where: The Den
They’re portable, colorful and scream sleep-deprived student. Feed your hot liquid addiction while promoting Peet’s Coffee at the same time. Those Cal Dining to-go mugs are soooo last semester.
Photo credit: Daniela Grinblatt
