Imagine this: You wake up on a bright sunny morning ready to conquer this perfect summer day by storm. When you start brainstorming activities you and your girls can do, you think, “Hey, I might as well check my bank account.” There it is, $30. That’s right; you only have $30 to your name until your paychecks start rolling in. So, maybe that day at the amusement park won’t be happening soon and that summer shopping spree will have to be put on hold, but that doesn’t mean this summer can’t be a blast!
I’ve been there, and I’m sure many college kids have, too, where the above situation is actually true and quite a struggle. While we are in college we often use the summer months as a way to replenish our crying bank accounts for the upcoming year, which means spending is a rare occasion for us (at least attempts to be rare). It can be hard to find activities to do with your friends, or even by yourself, that are one of two things: free or cheap. Below you’ll find a list full of ideas that are either a low cost or free, which will make sure your summer doesn’t go to waste!
1. Go on a hike
Many towns have free hiking trails that are open to the public. Go out there, enjoy the fresh air, and explore with your friends while getting some good exercise at the same time.
2. Have a pool day
Maybe you, one of your friends or even your neighborhood has a pool. Catch up with your girls, work on your tan and show off that new bathing suit you’ve been dying to wear since March. Make a day of it!
3. Have a picnic
Meet up with your friends in a nearby park and have everyone bring a different treat. It’s a great chance to try out that new recipe that has been taunting you on Pinterest.
4. Start a blog
Many websites such as Wordpress and Blogger offer free blogging platforms. Do you have an interest or hobby you can’t stop talking about, or want to share with everyone? Create a blog about and you’ll be entertained throughout the summer.
5. Create a book list
Since I don’t have time to read for enjoyment at school, I’m constantly reading during the summer. Create a list of books you’ve been wanting to read, go to your local library, and see how many of the books you can conquer this summer.
6. Go to a movie
One of the movie theaters near me offer a student discount, which makes any matinee movie $5. Another movie theater near me (it plays movies that have been out in theaters for a little while) charges $2 for any movie. You can finally see "Finding Dory" without breaking the bank. If that’s not the best news you’ve heard all day, then I don’t know what is.
7. Have a game night
One of your friends can host a game night. That’s right, good ol’ fashioned board and card games. Have everyone bring one game; you’ll be busy for hours.
8. Go on a bike ride
Grab your friends, find a path near your house, and ride! Nothing beats a classic summertime bike ride.
9. Attend a fitness class
Many gyms and studios offer student discounts or even a free pass to try out the facility. The yoga studio near my house offers a student discount, which makes any class $10. It doesn’t hurt to give it a try!
10. Have your own fitness class
Maybe you or your friends think attending a class is intimidating or not your forté? There are many free workouts on YouTube, like Blogilates, which are fun to do and are sure to give you a good sweat.
11. Throw a baking night
Between you and your friends, you’re bound to have enough ingredients for a few recipes. Treat yourself with some cookies, or put your baking to the test and make it a competition.
12. Movie nights are a must
A movie night with your friends is the best. Last summer, my friends I had weekly movie nights and rotated between houses. Have a different theme each week to switch it up.
13. Create a DIY spa night
Did you know Pinterest is exploding with DIY face and hair masks that are made with ingredients you can find in your kitchen? Get your girls together and take a night to pamper yourselves.
14. Have a bonfire
Does one of your friends have a bonfire pit? Gather around and make some yummy s’mores. Plus, you can’t possibly go through summer eating only one s’more, you need at least five, let’s be real.
15. Create a collage for your new dorm or apartment
You can buy an inexpensive frame at Target, and get photos on your computer printed for a very low cost there. Between selfies with your friends and pictures from your old magazines that are piling up, you’re sure to have enough to fill a frame; maybe even two!
16. Go out for ice cream
I can’t be the only person who consumes too much ice cream and iced lattés during the summer. It’s OK to indulge in your favorite frozen treat. A typical ice cream cone isn’t usually more than $3 anyway.
17. Go to a festival
Around my town (I’m sure many others too), there are multiple festivals, like, a Greek festival, Park Ave. festival and Canal Days. These are all free and open to the public. It’s a great chance to meet up with friends and spend an afternoon outside.
I know it’s not easy surviving the summer with little to no money. A list of vacations and activities are itching to take place, but as a college student we have to hold back. I’m sure most of us have a small budget, but with this list, it’s still possible to have a memorable summer.
