As much as you’ll come to love the big, beautiful campus that is NSU, trust me when I tell you there will be some weekends where you will want to be anywhere but here. #Liveyalife
That being said, because you’re a college student with a likely limited budget, you may find that going out on the weekends is far easier said than done. Don’t worry, there are certain strategies that you can use to make sure you can live your best life on the weekends without breaking that precious bank account.
Go to places that are free
First things first. The easiest way to save your wallet is by opting for activities that are free — that way you only have to worry about how you’re going to get there. Places like the beaches are versatile locations that can fit the needs of both the introvert and the extrovert. You can opt for daytime trips featuring swimming and tanning or nighttime trips featuring bonfires. Bring along some music and games and voila, you have a beautiful outing with your friends.
Another option is utilizing downtown areas and events. Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Fat Village has an ArtWalk on the last Saturday of every month with lots of music and activties that are free. Also not too far away, Hollywood’s Young Circle usually features live music on the weekends and a monthly ArtWalk of its own.
Meet your new friend: Groupon
Unfortunately, our human desires sometimes make us want to do things that cost money whether that be going bowling, to the spa or taking a road trip. That’s where your new friend Groupon comes in. With a wide array of deals for groups of people — because leaving out your friends would be shady — Groupon lets you try new things without making you spend the grocery money. Students at NSU have used Groupon to take Aerial yoga classes, go kayaking and get restaurant and bar specials.
Eat and drink at home, jeez
Your mama was right all those times she told you that you had food in the house and that still holds true whether you’re still living at home or in the residence halls. Whenever possible, eat before you go out on the weekends. You’ve already spent the money on either your declining balance or the food you have at home anyway so why would you spend even more money on overpriced outside options if you don’t have to? Assuming you’re of legal age and not driving, the same goes for drinking. If you’re going out for a long time, pregaming with food or drinks makes the amount of money you’ll spend that night less detrimental. That way, you can focus on dancing, bowling, alligator riding — whatever it is you decide to do with your night out.
