Everything you need to know to survive 55 Days

For the eternal glory commemorated on a plaque, to be seen by future generations of patio sitters

The full-time companies at the career fair said that they wanted to see that you could be dedicated and make commitments, so naturally you went and signed up for 55 Days of Cafe. Only the strong survive, so how do you make sure you’re one of them?

Here’s to making the most of your final days at Penn State with the people who make them the most special—that’s what this is all about. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to cross the finish line, achieving State College tea drinking notoriety and eternal glory commemorated on a plaque forever to be seen by future generations of patio sitters.

Reason people drop out: People forget to check in.

Use GroupMe

Perhaps the most useful tool ever utilized by college students. Make a GroupMe for your friends who are participating so that you know what time everyone is heading to Cafe each day. As the numbers dwindle down and participants drop like flies, combine with other friends and their GroupMes—this is a fun way to make new friends through 55 Days and satisfy the purpose of bonding every day before graduation.

Set phone reminders and alarms

Thanks to the miraculous invention that is the iPhone, you can set all kinds of alarms and pop-up reminders throughout the day to make sure that you never forget to check in.

1pm: Happy Monday! Did you go to Cafe yet?

5pm: DID YOU GO TO CAFE YET?

9pm: $2.50 BURGER BASKETS GO GO GO THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

Go the extra mile and even set a silent reminder on your FitBit.

Buddy System

Have a best friend or a roommate who’s also participating in 55 Days? Keep each other in check, especially on those lazy days when it’s cold out or you don’t feel like leaving your apartment. Go celebrate that it’s Sunday and enjoy some $2.00 nachos.

Reason people drop out: They make avoidable mistakes.

Keep a t-shirt in your backpack

If you know you shouldn’t be in your club’s logo or your Greek letters at the bars but Penn State organization t-shirts make up half of your wardrobe, be sure to respect your organization’s rules or standards. Keep a spare basic Penn State t-shirt in your backpack for an easy fix to avoid wearing anything inappropriate to the bar. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to check in for the day or grab lunch with a friend just because you didn’t have the proper attire.

Show your receipt early so you don’t forget

If you know you’re going to be hanging around for more than just a diet Coke, get the receipt from your first drink and check in right away so that you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. You don’t want to forget if you’ve had one too many teas!

Reason people drop out: They get busy.

Put it on your calendar

For those of you who live by a day planner or Google Calendar like it’s your Bible, penciling something in is the sure fire way to know you’ll be there. 55 Days is no exception.

Plan ahead for busier nights and events

Surprise! It may not feel like it at first, but you will end up doing other activities and going other places besides Cafe. If you know that there’s a formal, fundraiser, parents’ weekend, a twenty Phyrst birthday, or some other big event, plan ahead to check in during the day so you don’t forget at the end of the night—especially if your plans lead you east side.

Stay organized

Take a picture of your receipt on your phone from each day—especially any from days you’re out of town—in case there are any discrepancies. If you prefer to keep things old school, keep a folder in your backpack of all your paper receipts. You’ll end up being more organized for 55 Days than you are for your classes. If only check-in could be done on ANGEL.

Reason people drop out: It’s expensive.

Know the specials 

Taking advantage of the daily specials and happy hours will save you a ton of money in the long run (even if you eventually get sick of them). Screen shot the specials menu from Cafe’s website or even set it as your phone background. Everyone was getting tired of looking at your dog anyway—it’s time for a change. Go during the day to avoid paying cover and get started on that petition for Cafe to accept LionCash+.

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