• Marquette students are facing the economy's effects on their social lives.
• Some are now cutting back on going to bars and are spending less on drinks and food.
• Bars and restaurants around Milwaukee offer specials students can take advantage of to save money.

The claim, "I'm a poor college student," may be more understandable today than ever. Today's economy has caused college students to re-evaluate how they spend their money — including dollars spent on weekend entertainment.

Marquette students have been cutting back on spending at restaurants and bars, as they try to find cost-effective ways to have fun.

Craig Kellner, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, has faced the effects of his parents' job troubles. Money that Kellner would have received from his parents to spend on forms of entertainment does not exist anymore.

"I can't rely on my parents to pick up my tab and bills," he said.

Kellner said any money he would have used for luxury or extra items, "now goes toward things I need rather than want."

The bar scene can be an easy way to rack up a large bill. The cost of transportation to and from bars, as well as the cost of drinks, has become too expensive for some students.

"I try not to go to the bars very often because it's so expensive," said Tim Lenaghan, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.

While some students like Lenaghan have only stopped going to bars as frequently, other students have ceased going to bars altogether — especially ones downtown.

"I only buy at bars if there's a special," said Michael Bustamante, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Michelle Thompson, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, has noticed the effect the economy has on her friends' social lives.

"One of my friends stays in and does his homework because he doesn't want to have to go out and spend money," Thompson said. "And most of the time he eats from the dorm cafeteria."

Matthew Zuknik, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, is a waiter at Angelo's Pizza, 1601 W. Wells St. He has noticed the decline of customers and output of money toward food and drink throughout the year.

"In the beginning of the year it was always packed from Thursday night through Saturday night," Zuknik said. "As the year progressed, I see (fewer) people come in, at later times, spending less money."

A popular way for students to save money at bars and restaurants if they do decide to go out has been in the form of drink or food specials. If he chooses to go to a bar, Lenaghan said he looks for drink specials, which are "more appealing."

Jeremy Past, manager of Mo's Irish Pub, 142 W. Wisconsin Ave., said although there has been an increase in guests, they aren't spending as much money.

Along with Sunday and Monday food and drink specials, Mo's offers a free shuttle to and from campus Thursday through Saturday nights.

Zuknik has noticed the surge of popularity of specials at Angelo's.

"Almost always, the first thing people ask is 'What are your specials tonight?'" he said.

Some students opt out of dining at a nicer restaurant with friends on weekends for fast food.

"I'll go to Jimmy John's and grab a sandwich instead," Thompson said. "I'm careful with my spending because I don't have a job."

For those students who want to see a movie on weekends, Varsity Theater offers a different flick each weekend. Aria DeBenny, a freshman in the College of Communication, and Erin McDonald, a freshman in the College of Health Sciences, said they go to the Varsity instead of movie theaters in the suburbs because it's closer and cheaper.

Ticket prices are $2 for students with an MUID and $3 without.

Avid concert-goers have taken steps to save money as well. The Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., offers a ticket discount to Marquette students. Jeff Kertis, a junior in the College of Engineering, recently purchased a Cute Is What We Aim For concert ticket for $15 instead of the normal $20 rate.

"The walk to The Rave was worth the $5 savings because, as a college student, money that I have to spend on entertainment is limited," Kertis said.