As a student, I will try any business that has words like “campus” or “student” in the title at least once. You may find me working off my meal from Huskie’s Pizza, 850 Pappas Drive, Suite C, with a round of bowling at the Huskies Den, located in the Holmes Student Center, despite my aversion to both greasy foods and lifting heavy objects.

Why, you ask? Because it is important to support businesses that go out of their way to cater to a demographic that is mostly known for having neither time nor money.

That is why it pains me to see a business offer a valuable service at a low price, include the word “campus” in its title, and yet still, struggle to make ends meet.

Campus Cinema, 1015 Blackhawk Drive, offers the experience of going to the movies for less than half the typical price. Since the quality of movies seems to be inversely related to the rising prices, it is important to take advantage of having such a cheap means of entertainment.

“We’re surviving somehow,” said Ashley Peters, assistant manager and junior psychology major. “But we definitely need more student support.”

I can already hear some of the arguments being made by those who choose not to frequent the movie theater: they never have good movies, you cannot get drunk while watching the latest Pixar craze or you just do not know what Campus Cinema is.

In terms of movie selection, the issue is not as simple as not having enough money to bring in the big box office hits.

“Right now, our issue is with a contract we have with Market Square Cinemas,” Peters said. “If they have a movie doing really well, they don’t want to give it up.”

However, the contract is set to expire by the end of the year so you may see bigger movies coming to the small student theatre soon.

Until then, Campus Cinema has had to be creative with how they bring in customers.

“We always try to have at least one kids’ movie at all times,” Peters said. “Parents bring their kids in on the weekends and it helps with candy sales.”

Don’t worry, students. Campus Cinema has not totally abandoned you for the almighty dollar.

“We have coupons online where students can bring in their student ID cards on Wednesdays and get any item at the concessions for $3,” Peters said.

I can still hear that lingering question. “So I can go see a movie for cheap, but what about my concerns of not being drunk?”

Unfortunately, this is a problem that is more difficult than just shelling out loads of money to get a liquor license and start selling beer at the concessions stand.

“I would love to [get a liquor or BYOB license for Campus Cinema] and we were just talking about that,” Peters said. “It would just be too much of a liability since it would be almost impossible to monitor underage drinking inside the theaters.”

I guess you’ll just have to tough out that 90 minutes of sobriety.