5 Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

Image by Ezu, Flickr

Image by Ezu, Flickr

Having fun isn’t as simple as it used to be. With tuition, textbooks and rent, the typical university student is strapped for cash. This can make it very difficult to afford decent entertainment. Here are some ways to prevent the boredom, while saving some money:

  • Support your school. From cheering on your school’s football team at a home game or attending a school play, there is a lot of things for you to do in and around your campus. Most of these school events are free while others usually cost less than $10. Check out posters around your campus for upcoming events.
  • Discover free events around your city. Free events pop up all the time around every city. Be sure to experience your city’s festivals and parades. Bookstores and coffee shops often have free book/poetry readings and live music. Check out your city’s website or local newspaper for a whole list of upcoming events.
  • Cash in on local deals. On Tuesdays, you can watch a movie at a theater for half the price. Also, some museums and art galleries let you in for free or at a discounted rate during specific times. Getting rush tickets are great for impromptu nights out with friends.
  • Take advantage of free public spaces. Spend the day having a picnic in the park or hike through the woods. During winter, your nearby pond or fountain is probably going to be turned into a free ice skating rink. Instead of paying for movies, visit the library and borrow from their collection. Some cities even have free movie nights in the park.
  • Use coupons and discount cards. Being a student gives you access to a lot of deals. Get in touch with your school’s student union and see what fun deals they have to offer. Don’t forget to look through websites like Groupon for some great local deals. Sometimes you can find laser tag and bowling games or even tickets to your favourite artist’s concert for insanely cheap prices.

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