<p>Is Claremont Cash something that students use a lot??</p>
<p>Yes. Get some :)</p>
<p>Claremont Cash didn't used to be too widespread, but they're really making it a very convenient (and now necessary) thing to have. For one thing, it's the only way you can pay for laundry. You can also use it in the bookstore or any of the student stores, in the dining hall (if you're out of meals for a week and need to pay, for example, but are out of "board plus" dollars...rare but possible), and for most campus purchases. A lot of the city is getting in on it now, also, so you can use it to pay at a ton of places around town, including Quiznos, Chipotle, and 21 Choices (amazing frozen yogurt on Foothill). There should be a whole list of these places somewhere online.</p>
<p>So no matter what, get some Claremont Cash for laundry. You can put it on once you go to school either at the card office or online (very convenient). But I also found it great to put more money on the card and then rarely have to carry a purse around with me. It was also nice for my parents to put a bunch on so that I could easily pay for books without having to dip into my own account or deal with a separate credit card or anything. Stuff like that.</p>
<p>It's just a convenience (except for with laundry, where it's a necessity). What you don't use, you can get back, but it's easier to put it on in small-ish increments and not worry about getting it back than to overestimate. Claremont Cash also works during breaks, summers, and even after graduation (at least one friend's did, so I assume this is the norm). </p>
<p>Unless you want to start with more for books or something hefty like that, I'd recommend putting on about $50 to start. If you only use the card for laundry, then this will last you plenty of time but not be too much, and if you find that you use it for more, then this will still last you for a little while.</p>
<p>I only use it for laundry, usually less than $50 for the year, just because I don't get any from my parents and it's easier for me to just use my check card everywhere. Some places will give you a student discount (like the bagel shop in claremont) if you use it, or just show them an ID. Its use varies a lot. Some of my friends like their parents to load it up for them and then there isn't a paper trail for each purchase at starbucks...</p>
<p>I use it for laundry, the Scripps store, the book store, and some restaurants in town also take it. It is just like having a credit card, and it is really convenient! You can also add money to it throughout the year online.</p>