Enough energy to beat the system at NAIT
By Greyson Brunelle on November 20, 2025
Now that we’re more than halfway through the semester, many of us are on campus all hours of the day — and with that comes inconsistent sleep schedules. So you head to the nearest vending machine for a quick pick-me-up. Without even thinking, you’ve just paid $4.75 for a Monster Energy drink you could have bought elsewhere for a fraction of the price. But at that moment, you don’t care. Your eyelids are heavy, and exhaustion has taken over.
What you may not realize is how quickly those small purchases add up. The good news is, you can still enjoy your favourite caffeinated drinks while saving money.
- One of the best options is to buy in bulk. If you’re familiar with Costco — and who isn’t — you can pick up a 24-pack of Monster Energy in a variety of flavours for $54.99. That works out to about $2.29 per can, saving you roughly $2.46 each time you choose a can from your case, instead of buying one from a campus vending machine.
- If buying in bulk isn’t your style, convenience stores like 7-Eleven offer an alternative that’s both cost-effective and convenient. When you’re in desperate need of a boost, you can take advantage of deals such as three cans for $8. Compared to the $4.75 per can on campus — or about $14.25 for three — this option is significantly more affordable.
- As a last resort, if you absolutely need a quick fix on campus, choose your vending machine wisely. Prices vary, and machines located on the outer areas of NAIT’s campus tend to be cheaper than those in spots like Fresh Express or the Common Market.
Take into consideration the points made in my little tangent when purchasing your next vending machine product. Cheaper is always better!