As many students monitor the flux of gas prices in and around the state of Michigan, experts are warning Michiganders to expect price increases on other products as well.

Some Grand Valley State University students are already aware of these prices and how it will affect their cost of living, while others have yet to be strongly affected by them.

“I have noticed increased prices on basic commodities such as eggs, milk and toilet paper,” said senior Matt Cseter. “Gas prices especially have been on the rise as of late, though.”

In the face of these rising prices and higher costs of living, university administrators said they are doing all that they can to keep the cost of tuition low and the quality high.

“The university attempts to do everything it can to keep costs as low for students as we can,” said Bart Merkle, GVSU dean of students. “We understand the financial stress that our state and other states are experiencing. I wish I had some wisdom I could impart that would be helpful. I know that everyone is sensitive to the idea of affordability and we’re working hard to keep our costs as low as we possibly can while still maintaining the quality of the Grand Valley experience.”

While the university is working to help students, many students are working to help themselves by cutting back on certain products and being more careful about their spending habits.

“The only things I usually buy are necessities such as gas and staple goods, but I am much more conscientious about using those products and wasting them,” Cseter said. “(The prices will) have a larger affect on me as I leave college and enter the work force because as these commodities rise in price, so does the basic cost of living, and if there is not an equal increase in wages I may not be able to survive in whatever city I move to.”

Sophomore Jackie Hejl said her decision to live off campus next year has caused her to look for a second job and cut back her expenses.

“Now I have to save more money so I can pay my bills,” she said. “I try not to spend unless it’s for something necessary. Plus, when we chose an apartment for next year we looked for one that was on the cheaper end of the spectrum and included as many utilities as possible in the rent price.”

Hejl added that the university’s free bus system helps relieve some of the financial burdens of transportation.

“I think that having The Rapid on campus is an awesome way for students to cut back because of the gas prices that are constantly going up,” she said.

According to an article on MLive, prices are not going to improve anytime soon, but students can try to curb costs by using coupons when shopping and buying gas early in the week, when prices tend to be lower.

Merkle said it is important for students to take advantage of work opportunities and be careful of their spending.

“I don’t have an easy fix from a student’s stand point,” he said. “We are all in this together.”

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