We get it: punches ain’t cheap. Yes, they feel like free money. Yes, with a swipe of your JAC, your tummy problems are swiftly solved. That being said, for those of us with limited punches, every single one is a choice that needs to be weighed carefully. And no decision is harder to make than whether to punch at D-Hall or not. Excuse me, D-Hub. Whatever, it will always be D-Hall to me regardless of it’s location.

So instead of going in blind, walk into D-Hub/Hall with a purpose. Hack the ‘ish out of it and never look back.

1. Go and stay for a while

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Photo Courtesy of JMU Dining

Head over at around 2:30 with your computer or a book, grab some lunch and ~chill.~ In fact, chill so long that it becomes dinnertime. Two meals for the price of one punch. They won’t kick you out, they’re too nice for that.

2. Bring tupperware

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Photo courtesy of @maureencrossfitness on Instagram

This is definitely a risky move but I’ve done it once or twice in my day and haven’t regretted it a damn bit. Make yourself a lil sandwich and then make yourself ANOTHER sandwich and pack it for later. Ta-dah.

3. Come hungry, leave absolutely stuffed

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Photo by Jake Toth

Don’t you dare come here for lunch after a big breakfast. When I come to D-Hall, I like to be pretty starving. Like, foaming-at-the-mouth hungry. That way, I eat a ton of food and I feel satisfied by the amount of plates I collect. We can’t say for sure that you will survive the D-Hall dash but it’s worth a go.

4. Dranks on dranks

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Photo courtesy of cincovidas.com

D-Hall has a gorgeous wall of tasty beverages. You know what I see when I see that wall? Chasers. Free chasers. Bring your S’well bottle and stock up for a Burnett’s night. Mellow-Yellow is your friend.

5. Is it a friend’s birthday? Free treats

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Photo courtesy of @jmudining on Instagram

Oh, you forgot it was your hall-mate’s 19th birthday and she’s trying to get lit? I KNOW. Grab a handful of chocolate chip cookies, a decorative gift bag and voila, you don’t look like a total jerk and she’ll probably share the cookies with you. (Also, BAM—D-hall dessert hacks.)

6. Stock up on basics

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Photo by Paige Stickevers

Need some napkins? Sugar packets for your morning cup of Keurig coffee? Running low on granola in your dorm? Bring baggies and stock the heck up.