College is a time to explore your passions and enjoy novel experiences. Make memories with friends without spending a fortune by taking advantage of nearby free or affordable activities. From exploring nature trails to immersing yourself in cultural events like art galleries, there’s no shortage of things to do in college besides party.
10 Memorable and Cheap Activities for College Students
Need creative ideas on how to stay entertained without draining your wallet in college? Here are ten activities worth trying with your friends:
- Explore a Hiking Trail
There are tons of beautiful trails all over the country—so find one near your college campus. Hiking is a workout that will get your blood pumping, but it’s low-key enough that you won’t feel exhausted later in the day. It’s a fantastic way for everyone in the group to get some fresh air while taking in nature’s beauty. Explore landscapes, meet new people along the trail, and learn about what makes our planet so amazing!
RELATED >> How to Make Friends in College
- Go to the Beach
The beach is a fun place to get some exercise and sunshine with friends. If you’re looking for more than just walking along the sand and collecting seashells, you can try these beach workouts:
- Jog along the water’s edge with your friends.
- Swim laps in the ocean.
- Take surfing lessons.
- Play volleyball or Frisbee.
- Do lunges on the sand.
You can even bring a book, pack a sandwich, and spend the day at the beach instead of reading in your dorm room. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and towels to have a grand time without getting burned by UV rays!
- Visit an Art Museum or Gallery
Visiting an art museum or gallery is an excellent way to learn about your area’s history and culture. Many museums offer free admission for students on certain days. Otherwise, you can find affordable options, especially if you’re willing to go during off-hours like evenings. If you have a museum in mind, check out their website for pricing information before you go with your friends.
- See Exotic Animals at the Zoo
Are you an animal lover? Visit your nearby zoo! You’ll get the opportunity to learn about exotic animals and see them up close. Learn about their habitats and diets, and observe how they interact with each other. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may be able to pay a small fee to feed the giraffes!
- Channel Your Inner Chef
Cooking classes can be pricey. But the good news is, you don’t need to take one to learn how to cook. Instead, consider some non-traditional options:
- Cookbooks and online tutorials are wonderful inspiration sources.
- Check out your school or local library for recipe books.
- Peruse food-related social media accounts for recipes.
Once you find a few recipes you want to try, invite a friend or two over and cook a feast together.
- Get Creative at Paint Night
You can approach paint night in two ways—attend a local one at a restaurant or host your own at home! Want the quintessential paint night experience? Check Groupon for deals on paint night tickets in your area. You’ll find some incredible discounts on these kinds of activities. If you prefer to go on your own, visit your local art supply store to buy canvases and painting supplies.
- Pick Seasonal Fruit at a Local Farm
Do you want to take in the new season, enjoy nature, and have fun picking fruits with friends? Visit a local farm! You can sign up for free or affordable tours where you can learn about how they grow their crops. Pay a small fee to pick the fruits in season. Popular fruits for picking include apples, strawberries, raspberries, and oranges. This is a leisurely way to pick fair-trade produce while having fun with friends.
- Volunteer
If you’re itching to give back to the community, then why not look into volunteering with friends? Volunteering can be rewarding because you’ll learn new skills, gain experience, and develop a sense of accomplishment for helping others. You may even get discounts on groceries or other things if you volunteer regularly at certain places like the food bank!
RELATED >> Extracurricular Activities in College That Are Worth Your Time
- Attend a Free Concert
Love music? Attending a free concert is an easy choice. Free concerts are usually hosted at public parks, community centers, and other venues that welcome the public. In addition, many colleges and universities occasionally host free concerts. This could be up your alley if you want to engage in something lively without leaving campus.
- Enjoy a Shopping Day
Those who shop ’til they drop know it’s hard to stay away from the mall. But after a while, you might feel bored with shopping at the same place over and over again. Try these other fun cheap activities for your next shopping day:
- Go window shopping at a local flea market or thrift store.
- Visit a craft fair or farmer’s market.
- Check out a book sale at your school library.
- Find a vintage clothing shop and get some new threads.
- Buy discounted designer items at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.
Use Your Student ID to Get Discounts
Did you know that many stores and restaurants offer student discounts? Take your student ID with you when you go out—you never know when it’ll come in handy. You can save a good chunk of cash when dining out and shopping locally! Some schools even have a deal with local transportation companies to offer free bus rides around town for students with ID.
RELATED >> How to Save Money While Eating Out in College
Have Fun with Friends in Your College Town Without Breaking the Bank
As you can see, there are countless ways to have fun on a college student budget. The key is to think outside the box and be resourceful. If you put in the time and effort, you can make incredible memories without putting a dent in your wallet. We hope this list helps you save money and enjoy college even more than you thought possible!
Leave a Comment