How much do I need on my Bear Express?
When trying to decide how much money to put on your Bear Express account, consider your student status:
Are you a commuter that visits campus 2-3 times a week and have not opted for a commuter meal plan but want the convenience of grabbing a quick bite to eat, a cup of coffee, notebooks or pens while on campus?
Or maybe are you a campus resident with a comprehensive meal plan but may need extra funds for vending machines, a trip downtown, or tickets to a student activity?
The chart below shows an average amount of Bear Express that students have used per semester in the past, however these totals can vary based on individual needs.
| Usage | Typical Student |
| The College Store (textbooks) (based on expensive course materials- costs vary by subject visit bookstore.potsdam.edu for more information) |
$700 |
| Vending Machines |
$150 |
| The Union Market (campus convenience store) |
$50 |
| Downtown Merchants |
$100 |
| Other (tickets, health prescriptions) |
$50 |