If you are anything like me, you have salvaged your valuable meal points for the last week of the semester. Somehow your points squeezed through all those Late Night Redifer runs, the night shifts at THON, and the cases of water. In between cramming, outlining, and studying, a student needs to eat. Since you completely ignored the “reduce your meal plan” emails and have over 100 points left, you are struggling to get your [read: parents’] money’s worth. What should you spend your excess meal points on?

First, go to your nearest convenience store. Whether it’s The Mix in Pollock Halls, Louie’s in South, or good ol’ Good 2 Go in East, start off with all the necessary finals supplies. Index cards are definitely good for remembering all those stupid Psych 100 terms. Get pens, highlighters, and even staples for those term papers.

Spring weather and sunshine have arrived in Happy Valley, which, besides daylongs and tanning, could only mean one thing: the dreaded allergies. Tissues are a must during this time of year, and they go very quickly. Might as well stock up on some medications while you’re at it. Trying not to get sick during finals is crucial for any student, so get Vitamin C and throat lozenges to combat the common cold.

Time to get your GTL on! Swipe your card a few times for some protein bars for the gym and laundry detergent to prove to your mom you really do not send your dirty clothes to the Lazy Lion laundry service. Might as well get some cleaning products, too, so you can leave your room sparkling before moving out for summer. Lysol or Clorox wipes, windex, and paper towels should do the trick.

Time to get serious with your everyday items like condoms (safety first!), batteries (so your calculator doesn’t die during your Math 140 final), gum (spearmint stimulates the brain), shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, and toilet paper. Why get these items at Walmart or Wegmans when you can just use your handy-dandy Penn State ID card to swipe all your troubles away?

Treat yourself to a hefty HUB salad, endless smoothies and coffees from stands all around campus, and even swipe your friends for Sunday brunch at Pollock.

Last but not least, right after packing up your car, stop by the Creamery and finish your meal points shopping spree strong with some ice cream to take home. With some dry-ice and a freezer bag, Penn State ice cream will last the long drive home from State College. (Note: 1 pound of dry ice is good for 1 hour).

Now get to swipin’ and watch those meal points vanish into thin air…