If you and your roommates are anything like mine, college has pretty much been the best and most carefree time of your life as well as one of the most academically challenging. You may like to unwind downtown and sip on some Long Islands at Rays or maybe your drink of choice is a fishbowl to drown all your problems in or maybe you take a few sips to look good for those Water Street Facebook photos. Whether you're a ladies night regular or enjoy more of the laid back scene at Zephyr, there's no denying that after you hit the big 21 the Kent bars can become a bit dull for even the most dedicated leather skirt-wearing 157 lover. If this sounds like something that you relate to even slightly then this list of cities to go out in for a relatively inexpensive price may be just the thing for you.
1. Cleveland
I know, before you roll your eyes too hard hear me out please. This city is about an hour drive from Kent tops and if you know at least one person (come on I'm sure you do). Literally anyone with an open futon or dog bed will do the trick. Curl your hair and eyelashes before you go and then all you need to do is withdraw about $20 from your already dangerously low bank account and hit West 6 with a big smile and even bigger expectations that all of your drinks will be paid for by a handsome stranger.
2. Columbus
This city is another crowd favorite amongst my roommates and I because like Cleveland it is relatively close to Kent (approximately 2 hours) and if you know anyone from high school that goes to The Ohio State University it is relatively easy to get an Uber downtown and begin your night on the town. This may also be a desirable destination if any members of your group are under 21 (my sister and I have this problem constantly) because there are some bars that are 18+ and unlike Kent the house parties at Ohio State don't make anyone who is legal feel uncomfortable or creepy to attend.
3. New Orleans
I bet you thought I was keeping this list strictly local but I thought it only seemed right to add some weekend experience trips in the mix as well. A group of friends and I were lucky enough to experience this beautiful city during one of the most celebrated time of their "party season", Mardi Gras. We found a small hostel that originally was a warehouse that was converted into one of the most interesting hotels that I have ever stayed in or seen in my entire life. I think all together I spent around $400 on hotel fees, food and alcohol but the memories that I gained from this trip will last me a lifetime.
4. Nashville
This year for spring break, instead of doing a typical destination vacation like the rest of our friends had planned, my roommates and I opted to do another "experience trip" and visit the country capital of the United States (Yee- Haw). Total driving time was about 8 hours without any of those ever so necessary bathroom breaks along the way. Over the course of the 5 days that we have been here I think I have spent close to $300 which included the costs of a pedal tavern tour and a pub crawl along the way. If you enjoy Shania Twain or singing awful karaoke versions of the latest and greatest country hits just book a trip now and thank me later.
5. Chicago
I'm just going to apologize now for including this city in my "expensive" trip list" because as I am painfully aware and I'm sure you have too if you have ever made your way to this amazing city... It is anything but cheap. Whenever I visit I am lucky enough to stay with family who live about 20 minutes outside of the city so I can totally understand if the price of a hotel may seem overwhelming on a college budget, but honestly this city is one of my favorites in the world. If you do find yourself blowing around in the Windy City make sure you check out the view from Navy Pier from the top of the Ferris wheel and take a picture, because theirs nothing like it.
