I don't have a car, I live on campus, I'm not from Michigan or close enough to commute, and my bank account is crying. If this sounds like you then we are in the same boat. Staying on Eastern Michigan University's (EMU) campus is good opportunity to stay close to classes and events, however, if you aren't a commuter (and EMU is pretty much a commuter college), then it can be a drag. The weekends especially. On Fridays, there are people attending classes like myself and still up in running with activities but when it gets to Saturday and Sunday the campus is pretty much empty space. I live four hours away so taking a bus, paying for an Uber, or flying on a plane every weekend is something that is impossible to do especially if you're broke. So, what can broke college students like me do on the weekends? Here are 12 things that I recommend to do on campus during the weekend that are affordable and worth doing.
1. Visit the art galleries.
EMU has four art galleries on campus: McKenny Gallery, Student Center Gallery, University Gallery and Ford Gallery. The McKenny Gallery is located in McKenny Hall and holds historical photos and artifacts from Eastern Michigan University. The Student Center Gallery and the University Gallery are both located in the Student Center. The Student Center Gallery is directed by the student-run Intermedia Gallery Group and is dedicated to showcasing student work. The University Gallery is more for a larger audience and it holds the major exhibitions and events intended for both the Art Department and the public. Last, is the Ford Gallery located in Ford Hall. It holds the work of outside artists, graduate thesis exhibitions, as well as undergraduate and graduate student exhibitions. I enjoy looking and browsing through the creations of what students and artists have created. Every EMU student should at least step foot in a gallery and take a look at the talent of the students in the Art Department.
2. Attend a Friday night movie.
Campus Life holds free movie screenings on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in the Student Cener. The movies are selected by a popular vote from students in a poll. Past showings included Ant-Man, Toy Story 3, Straight Outta Compton, Inside Out, and Jurassic World.
3. Hang out in the Student Center.
Stay at Starbucks all day. Take a nap. Enjoy Fun Friday. Play in the GameZone. The Student Center is a great place to hangout and chill.
4. Attend a home game.
Most sporting events are on the weekends. Take a shuttle to the Convention Center and cheer the Eagles on to victory. Oh yeah, its free of charge.
5. Workout at the Rec/IM.
If you didn't have time to work out in the weekday then try the weekend. Again, not as much people on the weekends. Enjoy the pool by yourself. Shoot some hoops or weight lift. Classes are also available for fitness on the weekends. Less people = less people looking at you struggle.
6. Attend a music concert.
EMU's Music and Dance Department has many performances in the both the weekday and weekends. The concerts are free and are usually in Alexander Hall or Pease Auditorium. If students are not performing then faculty or guest artists would. The concerts are spectacular. Really. Sometimes I forget I'm watching students.
7. Walk around and sightsee.
I walk around campus almost every weekend. Not because of the exercise but because of the scenery. There's always something to look at. I sometimes like to visit some of the sculptures or sit by the fountain in front of McKenney Hall and read.
8. Hang out in your residence hall.
The party doesn't exist just outside. In the residence halls there are all kinds of activities the RHA puts on. There's also sometimes free food so that's always a plus. If you don't want to attend an event you can rent out a game at the front desk and play UNO or Sorry with your friends or floormates perhaps even by yourself.
9. Go to the library.
As an English major, the library is basically my second home. There's barely anyone in the library and you could have a group room to yourself which is always the best. Curl up in a bean bag and sleep if you want. There are also many books in different disciplines that you could check out. If you're not a book nerd then quietness and less people on the computers is something to look forward to on the weekend.
10. Attend Friday night pancakes.
What? Free pancakes? Yes, there is indeed free pancakes on Fridays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Cross and Resurrection Lutheran Church which is across the street from Walton and Wise Hall. Enjoy not just pancakes but waffles, games and community. It's all you can eat so bring your last minute eating pants and bring your friends for a good time.
11. Hang out with the squirrels.
Feeling lonely and bored? Feed the squirrels. They're everywhere on campus and they love to be feed. Nuts are always a good choice. Please know that squirrels are herbivores. They can be picky so aim for nuts and veggies or fruit as much as possible. Be cautious. If you are unsure on what to feed them then don't do it. Squirrels could also serve as a talking buddy but they're not really the best listeners. Taking pictures and creating games to see how many you can capture is also another way to pass the time. Squirrels are pretty friendly, however, geese are another story.
12. Visit the University Park and have a picnic.
I usually find a way to make it to the University Park to read, write stories, or eat. Whether it's snowing, cloudy or sunny the park is the place to be to be close to nature and beauty. Especially if the weather is nice. Sitting under a tree and playing music is bliss to my weekend.
