Growing up in Dubai, city life was almost all I knew. The way we had fun was by going out to clubs, bars, restaurants, malls... Almost everything I did back home required spending money.

Thus, moving here to Santa Barbara has given me an entirely new experience when it comes to having fun, without spending money, and I think that is an invaluable experience.

The biggest reason this is possible is because of the abundance of nature here. Instead of skyscrapers, there's palm trees that tower over me. Instead of highways, there's winding bike paths. Instead of sitting in a car staring down at our phones or the other automobiles passing by, our feet (or bikes) take us almost anywhere we need to go.

As my first year here comes to an end, I want to reminisce on some of the best memories I've had in which no money was spent.

1. Running Along The Beach

When I think of my first few months here, the sceneries I've run amongst stands out. I had an extremely difficult time adjusting to my new life, and running in the beauty here significantly improved my happiness and appreciation for where I was.

My first running route was up in the cliffs next to Campus Point; the view of the ocean from up there was breathtaking (I probably took more time taking pictures than I did running). I took a break from the cliffs to run along the beach shore, and eventually (my current routine) I began running to the pier, which combines the scenery of the beach and the cliffs.

Every time I run here, I remember how fortunate I am to go to school here. True happiness without any money spent.

2. Knapp's Castle

Knapp's Castle is on all those online lists of the top things to do in Santa Barbara (I assure you, you could easily find one here on Odyssey). I see why; the entire experience was magical. The journey there itself up the windy road in the mountains with my two friends blasting music was fun in itself. Walking from the car to the castle was beautiful due to the view below us and the evident silence. And, of course, the view from the castle was out of this world -- really though, it was heaven-like due to the cotton candy clouds and the colorful streaks across the sky.

A free adventure -- just make sure you have a friend with a car full of gas...

3. The Beach

Obviously. Going for a walk, a run like I said earlier, tanning, meditating, yoga, reading, writing an article... Literally anything is enjoyable on the beach.

So yeah, this speaks for itself.

4. Jumping Off The Pier