The Best Entertainment On A College Budget

By Kate Mueller on November 28, 2014

Let’s face it: everything is getting more and more expensive, including entertainment.

Anyone remember the time when movies used to cost like $8, instead of nearly $15?

If you want to go see your favorite artist perform it could cost you at least $60 (and that’s for nosebleed seats). That’s all well and fine when you’re young and have your parents or allowance to take care of some fun activities, but now you have rent, insurance, a car payment and probably credit card bills to think about.

All of a sudden, you’ve got $50 in your account with an empty fridge and gas tank on E. You and your friends want to get out of the house, so what do you do?

Movies

via Flikr

Movies, the simplest form of entertainment. Yet, going to a movie theater can really put a hurting on your wallet, especially if you’re planning on getting that $8 popcorn and $6 medium drink to go along with the ticket.

So what can you do to make it cheaper, besides sneaking in snacks?

Go to an earlier showing. Matinee showings (the movie times before 5 or 6 p.m., depending on where you live) usually give a pretty good discount, at least a couple bucks. A discount is a discount, though. That’s three or four more dollars you can spend on getting a few days supply of Ramen noodles.

You might have an empty theater since it’s 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, but that just means you have your own private showing.

Another way to save is to sign up for a rewards program. Usually major chains have some sort of savings card that with every time you buy a ticket, you’re working your way to a free or discounted one. Some theaters also have a student discount if you show them your ID card.

Many cities have what I call a “$3 movie theater.” This theater will probably be a little older and show movies that were out months ago, but they range from $3-$6 per ticket. It’s perfect for the time you were super busy working on that final project and missed the movie in regular theaters. All in all, it’s a pretty good deal so ask around  or search to see if your city has something similar.

When we move off campus, we generally forget about the awesome perks that campus activities bring, like the campus theater and movie showings. Sure, they only show one movie and it’s probably not your ideal choice but it’s free.

If you don’t like what they’re showing this week, stay updated on what’s coming. You never know, it could be one of your old time favorites or a box office classic.

via Lower Eastern Shore News

If you’re tired of the same old, same old when it comes to movies, find out if there’s a drive-in movie theater nearby.

Chances are you might have to drive a little ways, but what’s better than having nostalgia that a drive-in movie can bring?

Plus, it could be a really cute date night or fun night with a big group of friends. Just bring blankets, some snacks and maybe a few chairs and you’ve got a beautiful night under the stars.

If you’re looking for an even more inexpensive night in and you’ve watched every reasonable movie on Netflix, don’t forget about Redbox and streaming on iTunes and Amazon. For a couple bucks, you can set up a date night or roomie cuddle session, just don’t forget the microwave popcorn.

University Sponsored Entertainment

Stay up to date on what’s happening on campus–the performing arts colleges could be putting on a fantastic show and you would have no idea. Usually there’s some sort of calendar you can look at on the college or theater website that will tell you what’s happening over the next couple months.

If ballet or classical music isn’t your thing, try it anyway. Chances are that you’ve never actually been to a performance like that and it may turn out different than you originally thought.

via FSView

For big campus events, university organizations usually bring in big name talent to please the students. For example, Kevin Hart is on his college tour and Florida State brought him into the city with a discounted price of $15. Seeing Kevin Hart elsewhere could cost you somewhere around $100.

Follow various student organizations, your student union/center and your SGA on Twitter and Facebook because they will keep you in the loop of all the various things happening on and coming to campus.

Other Entertainment

Everyone loves to laugh. If you’ve had a rough week of cramming for final exams, search out a comedy club. Tickets for local comedy clubs are usually inexpensive, especially if they have a college, amateur or open mic night.

If comedy isn’t your thing, find out what local bars have karaoke nights. Have a beer (or several) and have fun with your friends as you damage every number one record you know.

It could be lame, but hey, don’t knock it until you try it. Plus, singing is proven to make you happier … hopefully the beer makes you sound better.

via Good Karaoke

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