In a recession, everyone should live like a college student

Staci

College students are well-known for their frugal habits. Ramen noodles , anyone?

But in a recession, everyone can take a page from college students, who know how to have fun on the cheap.

I'm taking a page myself. After four months of making double mortgage payments (and no offer in sight on my old house), I've had to adjust my own spending habits. Things that seemed essential in better financial times — like my HBO  subscription — suddenly find themselves on the chopping block.

But giving up Flight of the Conchords  doesn't mean I have to give up entertainment altogether. I recently discovered Redbox  $1 DVD rentals at my local grocery store. A buck plus tax will get you the latest new release for an evening, provided you return it the next day. You can return the DVD to any Redbox location — it doesn't have to be the same one you rented from — and you can reserve DVDs online ahead of time, too. Plus, since you're already at the grocery store, you don't have to make an extra trip!

Sure, Redbox isn't the only service of its kind out there. My best friend Charlie swears by Netflix  because he doesn't even have to get out of his pajamas to watch movies — the DVDs are delivered to his door or he can watch them instantly on his laptop. The selection is greater, too. But that requires a longer-term commitment, not to mention more than just one dollar.

In this economy, are you changing your entertainment habits in any way?

By the way, I'm drawing the line at ramen noodles. I ate far too many of them in college!