Tips when shopping:
-Try to make a list of all the books that's in your collection to ensure that you don't buy doubles, or that you will set aside money for that book you've been waiting along time to get.
-TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SWAP MEET! A lot of people sell things there a lot cheaper than the dealers room and they'll be in (usually) great condition. When possible I will buy the bulk of my book list at the swap meet for insanely cheap prices and then hit the dealers room later for the newer releases.
-Try to divide your money between how many days you're actually going to be at the con. Being at the con definitely overexcites me and sometimes I'll end up spending 2/3 of my money by friday. I don't actually split my money up into thirds or fourths, I just keep in mind the amount of dollars per day that I want to spend. That way if I see something that I really really want on a certain day I can just spend more of my money towards that item and not have to go back to my hotel room or something to get more money.
-Keep some amount of money separate along with one credit card. This is in case someone steals your wallet, or some unforeseen accident occurs, you will still have something to help you out.
Tips for eating:
-Do not buy food at the con. It can be very expensive and there isn't much variety.
-Do check out San Jose. You don't even have to go far from the con. Last year my sister and I found Tandoori Oven which is very close to Johnny Rockets and has student discounts! Great curry and other stuff for about $6!
-Hit a grocery store. Whether its a Safeway or Ranch 99 (asian supermarket), you can get sandwich makings, cereal, or even unhealthy but cheap snacks. I adore Ranch 99 and if your sick of top ramen then i suggest going there. They have lots of different types of instant noodles from asia that taste way better than top ramen, not to say that they are healthier... If you live somewhat close by then I say making food ahead of time that tastes good cold is the best idea. I like making onigiris filled with unagi(Ranch 99 sells frozen unagi for like $4!) that are great for meals on the go, or a salad that I can just add dressing to later. Great salad to make is lettuce, feta cheese, walnuts, fresh cut strawberries, and raspberry vinagrette. Just put into a tuppaware and bring the dressing!
-Buy sturdy fruit. By sturdy I mean that it will last well if its bouncing along in your bag along with your anime purchases. Apples are especially great because you can eat them as is, but I love persimmons and have two trees at home, so I just precut them and put them in a ziplock until I want them.
-If you make meat dishes and you want hot rice to go with them, just buy rice from the chinese restaurant thats also next to Johnny Rockets.
-IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO COOK OR YOU'RE COMING FROM SOMEPLACE FAR FAR AWAY...just buy food from restaurants and share with friends. A lot of the dishes have big portions so instead or ordering separate dishes, just share one! It'll save the both of you money and is a good time to ooh and ahh about your purchases. My sister and I always share a drink because we can usually get it refilled so there's really no reason to get two cups!
- I don't actually bring that much bottle water with me anymore. I just usually get one bottle that I can reuse and then keep filling up at the water stations around the con. This way it won't be so heavy to carry. The con is very good at keeping these water stations filled so I don't have much need to carry around my own water.
-Try to make a list of all the books that's in your collection to ensure that you don't buy doubles, or that you will set aside money for that book you've been waiting along time to get.
-TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SWAP MEET! A lot of people sell things there a lot cheaper than the dealers room and they'll be in (usually) great condition. When possible I will buy the bulk of my book list at the swap meet for insanely cheap prices and then hit the dealers room later for the newer releases.
-Try to divide your money between how many days you're actually going to be at the con. Being at the con definitely overexcites me and sometimes I'll end up spending 2/3 of my money by friday. I don't actually split my money up into thirds or fourths, I just keep in mind the amount of dollars per day that I want to spend. That way if I see something that I really really want on a certain day I can just spend more of my money towards that item and not have to go back to my hotel room or something to get more money.
-Keep some amount of money separate along with one credit card. This is in case someone steals your wallet, or some unforeseen accident occurs, you will still have something to help you out.
Tips for eating:
-Do not buy food at the con. It can be very expensive and there isn't much variety.
-Do check out San Jose. You don't even have to go far from the con. Last year my sister and I found Tandoori Oven which is very close to Johnny Rockets and has student discounts! Great curry and other stuff for about $6!
-Hit a grocery store. Whether its a Safeway or Ranch 99 (asian supermarket), you can get sandwich makings, cereal, or even unhealthy but cheap snacks. I adore Ranch 99 and if your sick of top ramen then i suggest going there. They have lots of different types of instant noodles from asia that taste way better than top ramen, not to say that they are healthier... If you live somewhat close by then I say making food ahead of time that tastes good cold is the best idea. I like making onigiris filled with unagi(Ranch 99 sells frozen unagi for like $4!) that are great for meals on the go, or a salad that I can just add dressing to later. Great salad to make is lettuce, feta cheese, walnuts, fresh cut strawberries, and raspberry vinagrette. Just put into a tuppaware and bring the dressing!
-Buy sturdy fruit. By sturdy I mean that it will last well if its bouncing along in your bag along with your anime purchases. Apples are especially great because you can eat them as is, but I love persimmons and have two trees at home, so I just precut them and put them in a ziplock until I want them.
-If you make meat dishes and you want hot rice to go with them, just buy rice from the chinese restaurant thats also next to Johnny Rockets.
-IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO COOK OR YOU'RE COMING FROM SOMEPLACE FAR FAR AWAY...just buy food from restaurants and share with friends. A lot of the dishes have big portions so instead or ordering separate dishes, just share one! It'll save the both of you money and is a good time to ooh and ahh about your purchases. My sister and I always share a drink because we can usually get it refilled so there's really no reason to get two cups!
- I don't actually bring that much bottle water with me anymore. I just usually get one bottle that I can reuse and then keep filling up at the water stations around the con. This way it won't be so heavy to carry. The con is very good at keeping these water stations filled so I don't have much need to carry around my own water.