If you’re looking to head to Session and not empty your bank account, there are a few easy ways to save money. Your mileage may vary.

1. Bring lunch onto the ferry

Although it is certainly tempting and convenient to purchase a meal on the ferry, you don’t have to! Bring a lunch with you in a reusable container, or use some sort of compostable wrap that you can dispose on the ferry so that you don’t need to babysit a container. Borrow a spoon or fork from the cafeteria for maximum efficiency.

2. Save money on breakfast:

Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare yourself. Instead of eating at the hotel restaurant every day, pop down to the Market on Yates or any of the other grocery stores nearby to grab a few croissants or muffins. It’s a ten minute walk from the hotel, and you can come with me on the first morning if you wake up in time! Having a quick muffin in the morning also saves you time so that you can get some much needed shuteye.

3. Dinner menus are a scam

You heard it here first, folks. Often times, restaurants will repackage their cheaper lunch items onto a separate dinner menu, but jack up the price. At session, I’ve noticed that people go to the casual dining places like Noodlebox for lunch, and somewhere fancier for dinner. Switch the order, and show the restaurant industry who’s boss!

4. Swap your coffee

Yes, Starbucks coffee is good, and with the little sleep that you’re going to get, you’re going to need it. However, spending $5 a day on coffee is going to add up. Your room has a coffee maker, so try it out! There’s also a 7-Eleven on the way to the BC Legislature if you really want a cheap cup of coffee. This is where I acquired my caffeine last year, so I’d definitely suggest trying it out at least once!

5. Eat the provided meals

There are a number of meals at BCYP that donors or the organization will pay for. This includes a lunch put on by Beta Sigma Phi, snacks at Government House, and pizza provided by the Executive Director. The easiest possible way to save money is to eat these meals! They’re free, and usually quite good. The best egg salad sandwich I’ve had in my life was at Government House last year.

Yours in Parliament,

Ranil Prasad