By Tiannah Garcia
College students drive nearly every day, whether it’s for school, work, or to enjoy some time off and hang out with friends. But the rise in gas prices not only raises the price at the pump–it’s changing how students think about their daily routines.
Within the last month, gas prices have shown a steady increase. The American Automotive Association(AAA) reports that the state average price for regular is currently $4.007. A month ago, this average was $2.914.
The Collegiate interviewed Grand Rapids Community College students on their experiences and opinions on the recent increase in gas prices.
Sorrel Williams, 17, of Grand Haven, shared in an interview how she is seeing the gas price increase firsthand while filling up her small 10-gallon car. “Half a tank costs me $30, that’s ridiculous,” Williams said.
Jordan Ezell, 20, of Grand Rapids, typically fills his tank when he sees it reach the halfway point. “As of recently, I’ve paid $37,” he said about the recent cost to top off his tank.
For some, the rise of prices is personal.
“I’m so irritated about it because you know, like, I’m about to be 18, I’m about to graduate high school. I’m a dual student, and like, this is what I’m getting thrown into?” said Williams. “It’s just so agitating to be a young person and have to deal with this, and why it’s being caused. Because it’s hard (not) to feel helpless if you can’t do anything about the world you’re about to walk into.”
But it’s not just about filling the tank anymore. Now it’s where they are going and how fast they are getting there, causing students to find alternative means of transportation or to at least increase gas mileage.
“I’m not taking the freeway anywhere. I read somewhere that staying under 65 miles an hour helps you reserve gas,” Williams said. “When I’m in town, I always take the buses if I can, or the little bikes.”
For more information on how to save gas while driving more efficiently click here.
Ezell is making similar changes. “I’m watching where I drive to a little bit more and try to conserve my gas a little bit more.”
Elijah Burke, 19, takes a different approach: “I realized I don’t need to go out all the time. I can just save it. That’s one thing it took away.”
These students aren’t alone in wanting alternatives during this time of rising costs. Resources like GasBuddy, with its website and app, help those looking to cut costs by making it easy to find the cheapest gas near you.
Collegiate Reporters Raven Day and Ethan Lane contributed to this report.
