We’ve all done it: gone to leave a tip and reached into our wallets only to find we’re out of cash.
Or, maybe it happened when we went to swipe our debit card and realized our bank account has $1.46 left. Life as a college student can be hard. With groceries to buy, rent payments to make and loans to pay, money is usually pretty tight. For some, little money means little fun. Want to see the new Nicholas Sparks movie? $12 please. Grab dinner at the nearest steakhouse? That will be $18. Want a 12 pack to drink away the sorrows of being broke? Sure, for $10. It seems like everything fun costs money, and many of us just can’t afford that. Living on a college budget, however, should not limit fun. Rather, it should open opportunities for adventure. Thinking of ways to have fun with little money takes some creativity. Often, we may be tempted to just stay in and watch Harry Potter for the fifth time this semester (I blame you and your Harry Potter marathons, ABC). But, with a little planning and a good group of friends, we can face the daylight and create some fun of our own. One of my favorite things to do is go hiking. This completely free activity can be done any time of the year as long as you’re dressed accordingly. You get all kinds of exercise, can see beautiful views and get to spend time with your friends in secluded woods away from the busy city. Sometimes, though, I don’t really feel like being outside. On these days, it’s fun to just browse different shops. Skip the mall and its usual stores. Instead, check out local boutiques and search for the hidden treasures. With good self-discipline, this adventure doesn’t have to cost a penny. Maybe I’ve had a busy week and just want to chill out with friends. We could watch a few more episodes of One Tree Hill (Lucas and Brooke forever!). Or, we could dust off the Monopoly board and pretend we actually do have money for a couple hours. Ah, I think I hear Rich Uncle Pennybags calling my name now. Whatever the circumstances, we shouldn’t let money determine whether or not we can have fun. With a little creative thinking, we can have all kinds of fun. Take a walk through Laura Bradley Park, and maybe you’ll get to play with some pups at the dog park there. Spend your time helping others at a local non-profit or working with one of Bradley’s service organizations. Look at those hundreds of fliers taped across campus, and actually attend one of the events. Break the routine and try something new. Take an adventure. Cause a little mischief. Have a little fun. After all, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or how much it costs. It matters who is there with you and the memories you’ll share.
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Kristin KreherMy happiness comes from meaningful interactions, the outdoors, thrift shops, and saying "thank you." Archives
April 2018
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