According to a survey by researchers at Ohio State University, 70% of undergraduates worry about their financial situation and, by extension, their spending habits. As a student, you know how difficult it can be to go out on the town when you don’t have a lot of money. You want to have a good time, but you also have to pay your bills, stock up on food and supplies, and save a little money in case of an emergency.
You could be forgiven for assuming that this leaves no room in the budget for entertainment, but that’s not the case. Participating in a range of exciting activities rather than sitting in the dorm and observing your peers having a good time, is always a good idea.
Even though college may seem like a serious time commitment, you should still enjoy yourself and spend time with friends. Being part of anything apart from academics is vital for your mental and emotional well-being. It also helps you develop your social skills. Fortunately, inexpensive activities frequently prove to be the most entertaining. Keep in mind that by the time you graduate, you won’t remember any of the things you bought. What you will remember, however, are the hilarious and insane times you shared with your friends.
How are you meant to enjoy your leisure time while studying at a university? Here are some great ways to spend time with friends, have fun at college that won’t break the bank. Even if you find that not all of them appeal to you, you have nothing to lose by giving them a shot.
Host a potluck or game night
Going out may put a dent in your wallet with the price of beverages, food, and entertainment. So, why not have the celebration inside? Gather your pals around, play some music, and have them bring their favorite party game and snacks. An intimate gaming night with close friends is a great way to spend time together without breaking the bank.
Be considerate of your neighbours at all times; paying a fine for making too much noise is not in the budget and could have severe repercussions on your finances.
Use discount cards and coupons
There are many discounts available to students. Contact the student body at your school to learn more about the exciting opportunities they have available. Do not overlook Groupon and similar sites when searching for amazing discounts in your area.
The cost of activities like laser tag and bowling, or even a concert by your favourite band, can drop to ridiculously low amounts at times. You can also get lucky with Juicy Stakes Casino bonuses – just remember to gamble responsibly!
Movie night
A growing trend among college students is hosting movie nights with their roommates. College students may have a good time without breaking the bank by hosting movie nights. The variety of films offered, from cult favorites to recent releases, is one of the best parts of movie night.
Movies can be rented from various sources, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, digital shops like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes, and even physical DVDs from your local library (many libraries offer free movie rentals).
Pick a side hustle
A university education is not necessary to launch a successful business or side gig. Many of today’s most prosperous businesspeople got their first start while still in school. If you want to save money or avoid taking out extra loans, starting a business you enjoy would be the ideal option.
Can you build websites like a pro? Find some ambitious college bloggers and pitch your services to them. Are you good at cutting or styling hair? Your dorm room could serve as a temporary storefront while you find a more permanent location.
Everyone is endowed with unique abilities that can be put to use to supplement their income. Have some fun, be original, and unleash your imagination!
Start enjoying the great outdoors
College towns often offer an excellent opportunity to explore the outdoors, especially if your college is surrounded by nature.
Why not get in an afternoon swim at the local lake with your new dorm mates before the temperature drops too low? If you need a break from the stress of campus life, you can go camping and trekking too.
What about picking up a Frisbee and joining the local Ultimate Frisbee club for more consistent outside activities? Because of the low cost of the required equipment, this is a fantastic opportunity to exercise, socialise with others, and have a good time without breaking the bank.
Reading
Reading can transport you to a new world for little to no money. Books are free resources if you have access to a library. You can save money using an e-book instead of paying a higher price for a hardcover book. Besides buying books, there are many other options for reading material.
Conclusion
Spending money isn’t required for all forms of entertainment. If you and your friends give these suggestions some thought, you could find they help you get the most out of your time at university. So, experiment with various ideas and have a blast!
