2008 Woodie Awards
Gas prices up 74 cents from last year, affecting students who drive
Jai Jones
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News
Gas prices continue to rise, and Winthrop students are feeling the effects. Gas prices at this time last year were $2.07 compared to the February 2008 cost of $2.81 per gallon, according to Zfacts.com.
The cheapest gas in Rock Hill is $3.05 per gallon at the Murphy USA gas station on N. Dave Lyle Boulevard. By going inside, purchasing a gift card and paying for gas with the card, the price drops down 3 cents to $3.02. Although this is higher than it would have cost last year, many Americans expect gas prices to reach $4 per gallon by the summer based on a poll by CNN.
Jason Partin, a sophomore philosophy major, says gas prices affect him financially.
"I have less spending money now," Partin said. "It hasn't really changed my driving habits because I usually walk if it's close."
Student discounts for gasoline have also been discussed around campus. Although Partin does like the idea, he says that he doesn't really know what a discount has to do with being a student.
Discounts for students are not given by many gas stations, simply because they are not cost-efficient to offer during a time of high fuel prices. Teresa Jackson has been working at the Exxon station across from Winthrop at the intersection of Oakland Avenue and Cherry Road for 15 years. Jackson says their business has been affected somewhat, but "not too hard," since people need gas.
Some commuter students feel they have a harder time dealing with gas prices than students who live on campus. Krystal Robinson, junior Spanish major, is one of those commuters. Gas prices have caused Robinson to be broke, she said, and instead of going home during breaks between classes, she decides to "chill on campus" to save money.
This increased cost has also forced Robinson to carpool to the supermarket or mall with her roommate. Like many students, Robinson does like the idea of student discounts for gas since students already struggle with money due to college expenses.
Luckily for Robinson and others, shopping areas are relatively close to Winthrop such as Walgreen's, downtown Rock Hill and the upcoming Earth Fare supermarket, so driving is not always necessary.
The cheapest gas in Rock Hill is $3.05 per gallon at the Murphy USA gas station on N. Dave Lyle Boulevard. By going inside, purchasing a gift card and paying for gas with the card, the price drops down 3 cents to $3.02. Although this is higher than it would have cost last year, many Americans expect gas prices to reach $4 per gallon by the summer based on a poll by CNN.
Jason Partin, a sophomore philosophy major, says gas prices affect him financially.
"I have less spending money now," Partin said. "It hasn't really changed my driving habits because I usually walk if it's close."
Student discounts for gasoline have also been discussed around campus. Although Partin does like the idea, he says that he doesn't really know what a discount has to do with being a student.
Discounts for students are not given by many gas stations, simply because they are not cost-efficient to offer during a time of high fuel prices. Teresa Jackson has been working at the Exxon station across from Winthrop at the intersection of Oakland Avenue and Cherry Road for 15 years. Jackson says their business has been affected somewhat, but "not too hard," since people need gas.
Some commuter students feel they have a harder time dealing with gas prices than students who live on campus. Krystal Robinson, junior Spanish major, is one of those commuters. Gas prices have caused Robinson to be broke, she said, and instead of going home during breaks between classes, she decides to "chill on campus" to save money.
This increased cost has also forced Robinson to carpool to the supermarket or mall with her roommate. Like many students, Robinson does like the idea of student discounts for gas since students already struggle with money due to college expenses.
Luckily for Robinson and others, shopping areas are relatively close to Winthrop such as Walgreen's, downtown Rock Hill and the upcoming Earth Fare supermarket, so driving is not always necessary.
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