College
students can have fun, save money
Krystle Ralston
College students know all too well what it is like to have empty wallets and
sad little bank accounts. I myself have developed a tiny muscle in my upper arm
from scraping change out from the back of my desk drawer. Many students deal
with insane class schedules and homework loads that flatten them to the ground,
leaving them with little or no time to work.
Have no fear, there are things to do that do not create a dent in your pocket
and can even be called fun.
There is perhaps the most obvious choice, and that is to party. For the get-togethers
that do not have the ground rule that you must bring your own beer, it is a place
to hang out with your friends, make new ones and score free drinks. If you are
lucky enough to live near the location, walking saves the trouble of finding
a designated driver and saves gas money, which is perhaps the most infamous thief
targeting college students today.
At the risk of sounding like a mother trying to spend time with her kids, playing
games can actually be kind of entertaining. The dorm dwellers have many different
games they can check out at any time, along with foosball and ping pong. If you
quit playing games when you were 10 and are completely opposed to the idea, add
some alcohol and rules that involve stripping and/or dancing.
Even though it is getting colder, the beach is still close by and need not be
ignored. Just walking along the sand and breathing in the fresh ocean air eases
my stress and puts a smile on my face.
Although I have yet to brave the cold water this year, all the surfers and boarders
sport wetsuits and make a day catching waves. For those on shore, a bonfire is
a perfect way to spend a chilly evening and a great opportunity to laugh at your
friends when they set their marshmallows on fire.
The park is not just for moms with baby strollers and necking teenagers. I know
of at least three parks in Long Beach with basketball and tennis courts, playing
areas for football or Frisbee. Or you can just be 5 years old again and swing
on the swing sets.
Because going to the movies costs an arm, a leg and a liver, renting movies is
always a great option to chill with a group of friends or snuggle up with your
other half. Whether it is guys’ or girls’ night in, there is always
the “Die Hard” trilogy for the boys or “The Notebook” for
the girls. If it’s guys and girls, a Kevin Smith marathon never fails.
Not having money bites; we are all aware of this. But this little detail does
not have to cut into us having a good time in college. And if none of the above
appeals to you, begging the parental units for pity cash can always be a fallback.
Krystle Ralston is a senior journalism major.
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