Affordable Antics

Beware the cost of fun. With spring break around the corner, many are on the lookout for ways to spend their free time, but are confronted with a limited number of activities that are actually affordable. A frustrated student expresses, “It feels like you can’t do anything without buying something.” Likewise, others have reported an apparent lack of third spaces, or social environments outside of home. 

In a poll conducted by The CSArtisan, only 1 out of every 5 students surveyed reported a third space outside of school and home to spend their time. So where can a student in search of some “R&R” (rest and relaxation) go on the budget of a highschooler? Fortunately, we’ve asked around and learned of a handful of free ways to have fun. 

If you’re looking for an escape, somewhere scenic like the beach or a local trail are easily accessible by train or bus. Places in nature can provide a relaxing experience to wind down, but if you’re looking for something to amp yourself up, attending a local concert or show may fulfill your ambitions. Immersing oneself in a different world or community is exciting and full of social opportunities as well as the ability to support upcoming artists. 

Frequent attendee of musical venues, CSArts student Eden Baker says, “everyone just freely expresses themselves and it’s lit.” 

To find events like these is as easy as asking a friend or someone who seems like they would point you in the right direction.  Also be on the lookout for fliers around the school advertising live music performed by our very own student bands. The library too bestows an abundance of new worlds contained within books, but did you know that a library card also provides free or discounted access to certain local museums, zoo’s, and state parks? There are many things you can do on a budget, but the most memorable will always be something you’ve never done before, so go somewhere you’ve never been and try something you otherwise wouldn’t. At the very least, you’ll end up with an experience like no other.   After all, there is nothing more valuable than a good time, or a great and cherished memory.