Many of us like to have fun on the weekends, avoiding the mountain of laundry in our dorms and/or papers on our desk. But, like me, many of you that are reading this article have very little pocket money to spend frivolously. College students have very little to spend on a cute shirt or a new scarf, a new video game or gas for their cars. However, I believe that the things that last longer are the experiences that we have and the memories that we share on the weekends that break the long weeks of class apart. From my first semester of college and the start of the second, I have gone out with my friends and have experienced many awesome things to do that don't cost more than $20, involve alcohol or parties, and involves food. Here is a little list of things that you could go out and do on the weekend that is fun and cheap.
Buy a plant.
Plants give us life, let's be honest. But I have recently purchased a bonsai tree for my dorm and it is just so nice to take care of something that isn't a fish and gives your room a little life. My friends and I were going to Home Depot to grab some dirt for re-potting another plant and I ended up walking out with my own plant! I grabbed some paint samples and cut out some shapes and "dressed" it up a bit. This little plant that gives my little side of the dorm life only cost $16.
Buy a fish.
College is the time and place in which one buys a fish. A fish is like the only pet you are able to have. At a cheap-o pet store grab a really cool colored beta fish or a cute goldfish, some flakes or pellets, and an awesome glass house. This could all be under $15! Fish make great conversation starters as well! Go buy one on Friday night with friends, and on the ride back pick out some awesome names. OK, story time. My dorm neighbors bought a fish and named it Dr. Seuss... Who would think of that? That's awesome!
Watch/rent a movie.
Movies are a great way to spend time with friends and make memories together (it is also really fun to watch it in 3-D). Spend a little extra and see it in the best way possible. For under $15, you can get seats to an IMAX movie that has tons of action and excitement! It could also be a great memory for any action-loving couple! For five more dollars you could get some popcorn too, or smuggle some dollar store candy in. Life is too short not to get a small $5 popcorn.
Go somewhere exciting!
In Massachusetts, there are tons of different rails to ride to get from one place to another. There are also great views to see and little towns to go to. These prices might vary, but adventure cannot be bought. Just put some money on your Charlie Card and pick somewhere in Boston to stop. Getting there and back are just part of the excitement; for months and years to come you will remember your travel with a group of friends.
Buy one item for your dorm.
In college, some people just have a knack for amazing decor in their rooms. I, on the other hand, have way too much stuff. But, if you are into decorating your room, set a budget of $20 and grab something cute from T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, or Francesca's. You and your friends could have an awesome time searching through the clearance and finding some interesting things. For example, my group of friends and I found a make-your-own-gnome kit. You never know what you might find for your dorm!
Go to an animal shelter or puppy store in the mall.
One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is look at puppies in the mall. It is a sad sight sometimes to see little animals caged in little boxes. A humane society is also a great place to just look at kittens and pretend what your life would be like with one of these little bundles of joy in your life, and pick out a pretend name to call them. Visiting the animals and just seeing them makes you happy and it doesn't cost a thing to pet them, window shop, and dream.
Go out to lunch/dinner with a group of friends.
I think my favorite thing about college, and something that only costs about $10 to $15, is going out and having fun with my friends over a warm meal. It gets us all off campus and it is wonderful fellowship. We talk, laugh and joke about teachers, classes that we enjoy, and our plans for the future. As I have learned in many of my classes, food creates an environment of love and compassion, especially when the meal is homemade. It shows that you want to spend time with people and build lifelong relationships.
There are so many fabulous things to do over the weekend, these are only a few that I have enjoyed. Many of them become great topics of conversations and later on, times you recall and say, "Remember when you got... Remember when we went... And got lost..." There are so many adventures to go on, so many things to do on $20. Food can always be fit into the schedule, and fun and laughter is always guaranteed!
