Having fun in college seems impossible without spending all your money, getting drunk, breaking the law, or endangering yourself. It almost as if one of these things has to occur for you to have a good time, but I am here to tell you that this isn’t the case at ALL. While attending college in Chicago, my friends and I have figured out ways to have fun all while being safe, saving money, and not breaking the law. All of these ideas have been tested out and been approved by my friends and me, and I can say with certainty, every single option will guarantee a safe, fun, and cheap time.

1. Find the coolest murals in the city.
   1. There are countless reasons why searching all over the city for the coolest murals is such a fun past time. First of all, it’s free. All you have to pay for is public transportation. Besides that, you can get some quality photo ops for your insta, you can appreciate the local talent, you can learn about the culture of the specific neighborhood you’re in, you’ll usually run into an interesting stranger and have an extremely weird yet informative conversation about the area, and exploring the city is always a blast when you’re with your close pals. There really aren’t any drawbacks to this option.
2. Buy as many snacks as possible and have a dorm party
   1. Not a full on, everybody get drunk, loud music party. But a chilled, hanging out with all of your friends in a tiny room while listening to records and doing cool vape tricks type of thing. It sounds super lame, but this is when the greatest banter will occur between you and your friends, and you learn A LOT about each other when vaping and listening to vinyl.
3. Go to 7/11.
   1. Literally, just go to a 7/11 and buy a Slurpee with your friends. It costs about a dollar plus tax, and there’s something about a 7/11 and Slurpee that makes you feel retro and edgy. I can’t explain it, but it makes you want to wear mom jeans, listen to the Arctic Monkeys, and tweet ironic things. Also, another insta photo op! Everybody loves a hipster pic of you wearing your best flannel, drinking a Slurpee, and sitting on a curb while your face is lit up by the neon 7/11 sign
4. Call your mom!
   1. It’s free! It will probably take up a lot of time! Your mom pays for your college be considerate! Honestly, just do it. You can tell her about all of the exciting and legal things you’ve been doing. You can lie to her and tell her how ahead you are in your classes. She’ll appreciate it with all her heart and you'll most definitely be happy you talked to her.
5. Go hang out at a coffee shop for about 5 hours
   1. A coffee shop has so many opportunities. You can meet a cute guy, get homework done, chill and listen to music, etc. My friends and I even found a coffee shop that has retro video games you can play for free, and we are also 90% sure we saw James Harden there, but we can’t prove it. The point is, being in a safe, public area with people your age, comfy couches, and coffee is a perfect way to spend the day.
6. Thrift Shopping
1. There is never a bad time to go thrift shopping. Bad week? Thrift Shopping. Just went through a break up? Thrift Shopping. Failed a test? Thrift Shopping. You have way too much homework to handle and you don't want to do it? Thrift shopping! Bonding with your friends, buying vintage clothing, saving money, and having a valid excuse to procrastinate homework? Yes, please.

Now that you have some ideas to get you started, go out and make those memories you are paying so much money to have! College is hard, it’s expensive, it’s stressful, but for the first time in your life you’re allowed to be as selfish and free as you want so take advantage of it! Don’t spend your nights on Netflix and your days napping. Go out and explore, try new things, make some memories, and if your night ends in you breaking the law then so be it, no one judges in college, which is why this time of your life is so amazing. Also, study sometimes!