Didn't see a thread for this so here it goes, simple tip
When you log into your character and your running low on food/water or gold que up for a battle ground, do AV since there will be alot more players thus potentially more mages.
And with the mana cost/reagent costs being removed in bgs most mages will summon a thing called "table of refreshment" (added in 2.3) and this little thing will give out unlimited amounts of biscuits that give 7500health/mana as long as you have bag space (just click on it).
This way, you won't have to either beg/conjure water and food yourself and not have to pay gold =D