A-LISTS youthful thinking by rikki bower Many college students are broke. A lot of times our schedules are so
hectic that keeping a full-time job would be suicide! I will be working two days a week this fall semester, whatever I make each paycheck goes to various things like food and my savings account that could use a little more love. It’s not that I don’t want to work more, it’s just I want to be able to function properly in school. The point that I am getting to is that you don’t have to sacrifice hanging out with your friends because of your lack of liquid assets.
1. The Student Union at your college probably understands that college
students need a lot of social events that are FREE to attend. At San Diego State University we have this whole string of events called Summer Nights that are events to welcome us back to school. Take advantage of these free events, which range from dances and carnivals, to private viewings of new releases. Last year I saw Watchmen with a whole bunch of friends before it was released in theatres. It was epic. A lot of the student organizations also put on events. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Union (LGBTSU) has a kick- ass BBQ that they throw for the community. You can even purchase a night out with a willing college student. All the proceeds go toward the LGBTSU to help host events and raise awareness of the LGBT community on the SDSU campus. Being involved with your campus student population is a great way to meet new people. 2. Being in California, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by great
parks and great beaches. Most of which are free to very cheap to enjoy. So maybe hitching and “bird” watching are your preferred activities. Well, hit up a beach or a trail and have at it. It doesn’t cost much to play a game of volleyball. All you’ve got to do is pay for the ball. Find a group of people willing to play and you’ve got a few hours of entertainment. As for parks, we are a few exits away from Balboa Park. Every Tuesday, sections of Balboa Park are free of admission charge. On Sunday, there is a free organ concert, which is a great time to have a picnic and show off your homemaking skills to that special someone. 3. If you’re a guy age 24 and under, maybe “In The Mix” is for you. It is a pro-
gram of Family Health Centers of San Diego designed to provide information about HIV prevention. They also do a lot of events that are completely social. Just last week they went camping, to explore the wild. They do a variety of events from day trips to dance lessons to talent shows to cooking. You name it, they probably do it. Another organization that hosts a ton of free events is your local LGBT Center. Also, The Center could always use volunteers! Vol- unteering is also a free way to attend events and to meet other people who enjoy volunteering. Plus volunteers usually get a few perks. The best perk I can think of is free food! 4. Another option is checking out local LGBT sports teams or fraternities
and sororities, such as Delta Lambda Phi or Gamma Rho Lambda. This gives you a chance to enjoy the sports you love while meeting others who share your enthusiasm. I suggest rugby or other contact sports (wink). Another added benefit to joining a sports team is that you can: A) show off your nice body or…B) work toward being healthier and building the body you have always wanted. Fraternities and sororities are awesome places to make friendships that will last a lifetime. Plus most of the members are crafty when coming up with ways to have fun on a budget. Don’t let your bank account get in the way of enjoying your college life.
Take full advantage of the fact you live in California and that we have a very ac- tive LGBT community. Take advantage of your school’s student body and its organizations. There is always something to do in So Cal, no matter what your budget is. Don’t forget, a lot of places offer student discounts. And remember that these are some of the best years of your life—some of the last years when being broke is not that uncommon or bad. Be creative and have an awesome fall semester!
Being Young… and Broke
30 RAGE monthly | SEPTEMBER 2010
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