Question:
Dear Life & Style,
I have such a hectic schedule during the week, and I really look forward to the weekends. Unfortunately, being a college student doesn’t leave me much money to do a whole lot of extracurricular activites. Do you have any suggestions of afforadable activities that can help me enjoy my weekends?
– Discount Diva
Answer:
Finding an affordable activity might be a challenge not only for a student, but for everyone considering today’s economy. However, being a student provides an advantage of getting discounts at various places. This will help you maintain not only a decent social life, but also save your money on essential items of your daily life.
Instead of going to a restaurant, go to the local grocery store and buy fresh vegetables and meat. Gather friends and go to a local park with outdoor grills. Cooking your meal, as well as dinning in the park, will be a refreshing change of scenery.
Many students are unaware that snowsummit.com offers college weeks. College students receive $10 off for a lift ticket Mondays through Fridays.
The Skate Center of Northridge offers an unforgettable and affordable experience of roller skating on a 12,000 sq. ft. maple floor. With a live DJ blasting the latest songs, seven giant video screens, huge game area, pizza and free Wi-Fi, the cost is a mere $10 to $12. Prices may vary, so go to skateland.net for more info.
If you are not into physical activities, why not to arrange a little movie night? Blockbuster offers a 50 percent discount for the first month of memebership, and Netflix offers a free trial as well. This is a good alternative to buying a $13 movie ticket at a theater. However, AMC theaters do provide student discounts every Thursday. You can also purchase $7 movie tickets at CSUN’s A.S. ticket office for Pacific and AMC theaters.
Try going to a museum. The Getty Center does not charge for admission. However, there is a minimal parking fee. The Museum of Contemporary Art also provides free admission on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Los Angeles County Museum offers $5 off the general admission for students and on the second Tuesday of each month. General admission to the permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions is free to everyone.
Even shopping can be an affordable activity for students if you get what you want and save money. Take a look at studentbistro.com. There are sections of interest such as travel, books, software, food, etc. Each section lists places or websites that offer student’s discounts, providing either coupons or student discount codes. The website also mentions all current deals that might be helpful to non-students who are in pursuit of saving money. Another feature of the website is that it will redirect you to other websites that offer discounts, so you could start saving money without leaving your home. According to a studentbistro.com advertisement, they will also launch a Student Bistro Member Forum for additional local and regional student discounts. Students and merchants will be able to post valuable student discount offers by school, state or region.
Take advantage of store specials. Many retailers such as the Container Store or Ikea offer college nights when all students can purchase items at discount prices. Newspapers are also a good place to find special deals that local clubs and restaurants offer for students.
