Finance

Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester! My name is Molly Graiff, and I share the best deals for college students in this column, Values for Vikings. So grab your student ID and get ready to learn more about exclusive deals!      

While there are lots to find online and in businesses around HVCC, the closest and most convenient deals are right here on campus! Student Activities hosts lots of events each semester that are typically free for HVCC students. From Trivia to free food, they constantly hold fun experiences for students. Pay close attention to announcements around the holidays, as there is usually an event happening.

Free Pizza Wednesdays, put on by Student Activities, is a great opportunity to grab a slice and socialize. Be sure to check the date and see if it is a Free Pizza day. Also located in the Campus Center is the Viking Cupboard food pantry. Open to all current HVCC students, the food pantry offers a variety of items. These activities, as well as most of the events highlighted in this article, require you to show your student ID to participate. Lost your student ID? You can request a replacement by heading to the Cashier’s office and paying the $9 replacement fee.

Looking for some entertainment after class? Student Activities sells $5 Regal movie tickets each Tuesday from 10 am-3 pm and 4-5:30 pm for evening students. Each student can purchase up to 2 movie tickets per week. It’s important to note that a slight upcharge may be required at the theater when watching select movies.      

In the mood for some music? The Cultural Affairs office puts on a live noon concert series as well! With a variety of performers, you’re bound to have a great time. To never miss a free event on campus, visit the Events page on the HVCC website for up-to-date times and locations of opportunities on campus!

With Black Friday right around the corner, shoppers eagerly await great deals. While it’s true that many retail stores drop their prices on November 29, you can do another kind of shopping that allows for year-round savings.

Outlet stores are similar to malls, as you can shop at many stores next to each other. The beauty of the outlets, however, is the prices. Many outlet stores offer the same items you’d find in the retail store but with a better value. The clearance sections are known to be home to great products for a fraction of the cost.

The closest outlets to HVCC are Lee Premium Outlets at 17 Premium Outlet Blvd, Lee, MA 01238, and the Outlets at Lake George at 1424 US-9, Lake George, NY 12845. Being each about 45 minutes from campus, these locations contain stores such as Old Navy, Under Armour, and Coach. There are constant sales promotions at both outlet locations but particularly around Black Friday is when the deals start to heat up. 

     These outlet stores are a great one-stop shop for holiday shopping. While scanning the clearance section is certainly a great tip to find hidden gems, a lot of stores offer whole-store discounts as well. If you are interested in purchasing a higher ticket item such as a purse from Kade Spade or Vera Bradley, you’ll likely get a nice deal on their products also. 

     When deciding whether or not to travel to the outlets this Black Friday season I would recommend taking a look at which stores are present where so you can optimize your trip. It’s also best to head there before the snow and winter come for more enjoyable shopping.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and as we enter November more and more  businesses are dropping their seasonal bargains. Dunkin’ fans can delight with the return of the  Free Classic Donut Wednesday that’s available now until December 25. Each Wednesday,  Dunkin’ reward members earn a free donut by purchasing a drink.

With over a dozen classic donut options to choose from, Dunkin’ members are sure to  receive a nice treat each week.

With two Dunkin’ locations close to Hudson Valley, one at 76 N  Greenbush Rd, Troy, NY 12180, and the other at 487 Campbell Ave, Troy, NY 12180 this offer  can be redeemed on the way to or from class.

In addition to their Free Donut Wednesdays, Dunkin recently dropped their holiday menu  including a hash brown brisket scramble, cookie butter donut, new holiday cookie signature latte,  and almond croissant. Members earn points through ordering items online which contribute to  free menu items throughout the holiday season.

As far as value goes, the Free Donut Wednesday may be worth it for you if you regularly  order a drink as it’s important to note that the donut is only free when purchased with one. 

Alternatively, the $6 Meal Deal is a good bargain as you get a medium coffee, bacon, egg, and  cheese sandwich, and hash browns for only six dollars.

It’s always a good idea to check for deals  ahead of ordering and to take advantage of mobile ordering through the app as it may cut down  on your wait time.