Being a Vandal is something students at the University of Idaho take pride in. Whether that be wearing a sweatshirt to class, supporting the football team or showing off the school’s colors. Vandal merchandise is one of the easiest ways to represent the university. However, for many students, purchasing that merchandise is not as simple as walking into the VandalStore and picking up something out.
College is already expensive. Between tuition, housing, groceries and textbooks. Students have plenty of expenses to worry about. Spending extra money on a sweatshirt or T-shirt is not always realistic. Especially when merchandise can still feel overpriced after being moved to the clearance section.
The clearance rack is supposed to be where students can find affordable options. Instead, students may walk into the VandalStore hoping to find a good deal, only to realize that even discounted clothing is outside their budget. When students must debate whether buying a sweatshirt is worth spending money that could go towards groceries, there is clearly a problem with affordability.
Nobody expects the university to give away merchandise for free. The VandalStore is a business, and selling officially licensed university clothing comes with expenses. However, there should be a better balance between making money and making merchandise accessible to the students who represent the university every day,
Students are some of the biggest supporters of UI. They attend sporting events, participate in campus activities and help create the atmosphere that makes being a Vandal special. It seems unfair that the same students who contribute so much to campus culture can’t afford to represent their school.
One solution would be to offer more student-exclusive discounts throughout the semester. The VandalStore could also create a section specifically for affordable merchandise, with basic T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items priced with college students in mind. Clearance sales should provide meaningful savings rather than simply making expensive merchandise slightly less expensive.
Another possibility would be offering special discounts during major campus events, such as Homecoming or Vandal Giving Day. These events already encourage students to celebrate their connection to the university. Making merchandise more affordable during these times would give more students the opportunity to participate.
School spirit should not depend on how much money someone has available to spend. Students should be able to walk around campus wearing the Vandal logo without feeling like they made a major financial decision just to purchase a sweatshirt.
The University of Idaho constantly encourages students to take pride in being Vandals. That pride is already there. The university just needs to make it easier for students to show it. At the end of the day, Vandal merchandise should be something students are excited to buy, not something they have to save up for.
AJ can be reached at [email protected]