It's a rainy day, you're going crazy stuck at home. You want to go out, but you're a broke college student so spending money is not exactly in your best interest. You could wander around the mall, that doesn't cost anything, but you'll most likely end up buying something. You go to a coffee shop, but most places won't let you sit there without at least buying a cup of coffee or a muffin. You could just drive around aimlessly to get out of the house. But most people don't know how to drive when it rains, and you'll just be wasting gas that you will then have to pay for at a later time. So what are you going to do? Here's the perfect way to spend your rainy day without spending any money.

Pack a snack.

Something little, a granola bar, pretzels, chocolate covered blueberries, nothing too messy.... You're going to need something to munch on, especially if you plan on staying for a long time.

Don't forget a drink.

Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea at home.

Bring a coloring book and colored pencils.

This is optional, and you may not even use them, but who doesn't love to color?

Head on over to Barnes & Noble or your closest bookstore.

(The library works too.)

Scope out the whole place.

The world is your oyster. Pick up anything that sparks your curiosity. Pick something you'd normally never pick up. Look for that book your sister's friend suggested to you. Get yourself a nice stack. (Not too many, but enough to keep you busy for a few hours.)

Find a spot to plant yourself.

Most Barnes & Nobles have a Starbucks inside, but sitting there might tempt you to buy something. Find a couch, a chair, a stool, or even a spot on the floor. Make yourself comfy. You're going to be there for a while.

Get reading.

Start to read that book you've always wanted to read. Maybe you'll love it just as much as you imagined. If you hate it, stop and go on to your next pick. Skim through some poetry, or a picture book of a city you'd love to go to.

Go at your own pace.

This is not reading to finish a report. There's no rush. Read a little, then go on to something else. People-watch. Enjoy your snack. Do some more reading. Watch the raindrops race each other down the windowpanes. Color for a little. Read some more. Enjoy the music (B&N usually has great playlists).

Before you leave.

You've either decided you've been there long enough, or the store is closing and you have no other choice but to leave. You may want to buy one of your selections for the day. (There goes a little money). Or you could make a note of the book, and possibly buy it at a later time. Please do your best to put all the books back where you found them, don't leave a mess for the workers to clean up.

I understand that some people may find the idea of spending the whole day at a bookstore to be boring. When I think of reading, I immediately think of novels, while I prefer poetry. There's so many different subjects and topics. You'd be amazed at all you can find. You might even find something you never thought you'd like. Don't knock it till you try it. Go alone, or with a friend. It actually makes for a very relaxing day, and it gives you something to do other than watching Netflix or staring at your phone. I think it's a pretty good way to spend a rainy day and it doesn't require spending any money.