How to Have Fun - On A College Student’s Budget

All work and no play makes Jack (or Jill!) a very dull boy (or girl). Even the most conscientious of students needs to cut back on the studying and have some fun every once in a while. But for most college students, money is a major obstacle to cutting loose and having a night on the town.

Once you’ve convinced yourself you’ve earned it - maybe you just aced a tough Biology test, made it into an elite intern program, or passed a semester you thought you’d actually fail - it’s time to have some fun. Problem is, you’re low on funds. Well, this has been the dilemma of fun loving students ever since college (and shy high tuition) was invented.

Never fear, there is fun to be had out there that is cheap and may even be free! The most obvious of choices may be a local arcade or game room. You can blow off some steam in one of these musty havens with only a few bucks. There are any number of fighting, shooting, punching, racing, and flying simulators to play, only for a bit of coin to start.

You can even hit those places that offer dinner and then some fun adult Chuckie Cheese-style entertainment. Skeeball, foosball, interactive simulation games, dancing games and even to old standbys - pool and air hockey tables are available for your enjoyment. For just a bit of cash - maybe $10 or $20 bucks - you can while away an hour or so in the world of adult pretending.

However, you can find some of these games even cheaper, at places you may not have considered before. Have a bowling alley near campus? (I’ll bet there are at least 3!) Bowling alleys frequently have small game rooms that include air hockey tables, pool tables, and video games. They don’t want you to get bored while you’re waiting for a lane!

What about the campus rec center? Chances are there’s at least a ping pong table, and it’s free! Hotels sometimes have game rooms as well, where the games may be free or less expensive than normal. Even if you’re not staying there, you can probably use the facilities. (Just look like you know where you’re going and you’ll be good!)

Are you a member of a church? Feel like joining or at least attending one? Churches that are near or on campus often have pretty good young adult programs. They want to appeal to your interests, and will probably have a rec room that includes an air hockey or pool table. Classic video games may even be present - who can go wrong with Ms. Pac Man or Space Invaders?

No matter where you find your fun, know that it’s out there to be had. You can play lots of different types of games for very little money, or even for free if you know where to look. So get out there, let your hair down and close that calculus book for a bit. You deserve it!

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