Cash in your summer
By: Erin Marks, Co-Features Editor
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: Features
As summer draws near, students are making plans with bank accounts that fall short of affording a 2-week cruise or spending the hot weather months baking on a beach. While some students have the means to afford these luxuries, the truth is, most of us can't. So, what's a poor, broke college student to do for summer fun? Here are some ideas to make your summer positively memorable, and not in a you-only-ate-ramen-noodles-every-day-all-summer kind of way.
Movies and Concerts
•Find free films, concerts and events. Or if you can't find free performances or showings, find some cheap ones. This is a great way to get some culture, experience the arts and not break the bank.
Go to the Beach
•Spend a day at the beach. Beach-y is a common theme for summer trips, but if you can't afford a month long trip, just go for the weekend. Or go with a big group of friends and split the costs. If you don't live close to a beach, spend a day at the nearest lake or pool. The point is to get outside and enjoy the summer weather.
Cook out
•Throw a potluck cook out. By making it a pot luck cookout, you avoid spending too much on food because everyone is responsible for part of the meal. Have a backyard barbeque, or cook out at the park, lake or a beach. Whatever location your group decides on, the fun is in combining food and enjoying the summer nights with friends.
Go hiking
•Yet another free outdoor activity to enjoy this summer. The best part about hiking is that it is personalized activity; you don't have to go any further or higher than you want. The local KOA trail is perfect for hiking, running or taking a stroll.
Farmers Market
•Browse the local farmers market. Fresh produce, fresh flowers, fresh food. What more could you ask for? How about free samples at some of the stands? Even better. San Angelo has a great local farmers market in the historic district downtown.
Learn Something New
•Learn a new skill. Have you been meaning to learn how to play guitar? Or maybe you want to take up painting? Whatever it is, the summer is a great time to pick up a new hobby.
Check Out the City
•Explore your city. It's amazing how many places there are in San Angelo that people don't know about. Visit thrift stores or historic Concho Street. Go to a restaurant to which you've never been or look up city attractions you haven't visited. Check out an art exhibit or feed the ducks at the river. Whatever you choose, these things are cheap or even free and still fun.
Ask Around
•Talk to friends and family. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. There's a good chance that you'll find out that someone has a connection or maybe some extra tickets. It doesn't get much better than getting to go to something for free or at least a discounted price. But more than cashing in on familial connections, catch up with your family members you don't see very often. Students usually have more time on their hands in the summer and grandma and grandpa will surely love a phone call or a surprise visit.
Volunteer
•Volunteering is a great way to pass the summer hours while making a difference in the community. There are countless organizations across San Angelo that need volunteers for summer camps or programs. You could help a kid while doing some good for yourself, too.
Movies and Concerts
•Find free films, concerts and events. Or if you can't find free performances or showings, find some cheap ones. This is a great way to get some culture, experience the arts and not break the bank.
Go to the Beach
•Spend a day at the beach. Beach-y is a common theme for summer trips, but if you can't afford a month long trip, just go for the weekend. Or go with a big group of friends and split the costs. If you don't live close to a beach, spend a day at the nearest lake or pool. The point is to get outside and enjoy the summer weather.
Cook out
•Throw a potluck cook out. By making it a pot luck cookout, you avoid spending too much on food because everyone is responsible for part of the meal. Have a backyard barbeque, or cook out at the park, lake or a beach. Whatever location your group decides on, the fun is in combining food and enjoying the summer nights with friends.
Go hiking
•Yet another free outdoor activity to enjoy this summer. The best part about hiking is that it is personalized activity; you don't have to go any further or higher than you want. The local KOA trail is perfect for hiking, running or taking a stroll.
Farmers Market
•Browse the local farmers market. Fresh produce, fresh flowers, fresh food. What more could you ask for? How about free samples at some of the stands? Even better. San Angelo has a great local farmers market in the historic district downtown.
Learn Something New
•Learn a new skill. Have you been meaning to learn how to play guitar? Or maybe you want to take up painting? Whatever it is, the summer is a great time to pick up a new hobby.
Check Out the City
•Explore your city. It's amazing how many places there are in San Angelo that people don't know about. Visit thrift stores or historic Concho Street. Go to a restaurant to which you've never been or look up city attractions you haven't visited. Check out an art exhibit or feed the ducks at the river. Whatever you choose, these things are cheap or even free and still fun.
Ask Around
•Talk to friends and family. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. There's a good chance that you'll find out that someone has a connection or maybe some extra tickets. It doesn't get much better than getting to go to something for free or at least a discounted price. But more than cashing in on familial connections, catch up with your family members you don't see very often. Students usually have more time on their hands in the summer and grandma and grandpa will surely love a phone call or a surprise visit.
Volunteer
•Volunteering is a great way to pass the summer hours while making a difference in the community. There are countless organizations across San Angelo that need volunteers for summer camps or programs. You could help a kid while doing some good for yourself, too.
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