Ways To Give

Cheap Fun for Starving University Students

Written by Leo Chiu

When nightspots and movies have lost their appeal, and – more significantly – have left you broke, it may be time to turn to the Starving Student Discount for entertainment alternatives.

The Starving Student Discount should be part of every university student’s entertainment plan.

By definition, anything that is fun to do and is free is part of the Starving Student Discount.

Along with time-honoured recreation and sports like basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, walks in the park, inline skating and beach volleyball, the Starving Student Discount encompasses unique ideas in the art of having wallet-independent fun.

One appreciates festivals when they follow the Starving Student. Someone else plans the occasion, states the location, and invites the entire city. All you have to do is attend and have fun.

City marketplaces are another source of interaction, where sidewalk shows by musicians, magicians, clowns and comedians can fill an entire afternoon.

To find information on public events, visit municipal and leisure/entertainment webpages.

Museums are notorious for charging no admission at times when people are likely asleep. Phone the museums or visit their webpages to find out the best times to attend.

Some municipal libraries offer free memberships to people renting an apartment in the city. You now have an opportunity to read books that people have told you about, watch movies from years ago, and listen to compact discs that you would not otherwise buy with your own money.

On some days you may not be motivated to leave home, but there are still many productive things that can be accomplished.

For example, formulate a workout schedule and perform it on a weekly basis – you will be surprised at the results after a four-month term.

Or you can pick up a hobby that you have been wanting to learn: guitar playing, baking, knitting and origami are all low-cost options. Write that poem or short story. If you have access to a computer, teach yourself web design and post your creation. Or surf for free stuff on the Internet.

The possibilities are endless, even when your entertainment budget is overdrawn.

I myself am off to bake a cake.

Leo Chiu is a student who has relocated to several cities for internship opportunities and enjoys finding ways to have fun within any budget level. Originally published in Communique, Simon Fraser University’s Communication Co-op newsletter. Used with permission of author.

Related reading:

• Six more pages of cheap fun ideas
• 5 simple ways to stretch your dollar
• Living with an open hand: looking at the spiritual side of money

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