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Frugal Living Helps for College Students

Frugal living for college students at Kentucky Christian University. Suggestions on stretching your dollars

Frugal Fun

 

Frugal Fun

                              "Chess & Checkers Central Park" by central park4 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

March 13, 2025

It is Spring Break week at KCU.  Many of you are off campus and are enjoying our spring weather.  The question is-what are you doing besides catching up on sleep?  Even when you return to campus, what can you do when you need a break that does not cost a lot of money?

We have a few suggestions for free things to do - or nearly free!

Board Game Night - Did you know that the library has board games available for you to play?  Grab a friend and come to the library.  If a group of your friends wants to play a game, ask for a key to a study room so that you do not have to worry about your noise level. You can even reserve a room in advance!

Go on a Picnic - When we think of picnics we can get caught up in lots of food to “fill a basket”.  Think simple, here.  

  • Grab a couple of granola bars, a couple of bottles of water, and a blanket for an early morning meet-up with a friend.
  • Organize a “potluck picnic” with your friends.  Everyone brings enough of one item for everyone going and brings their own drink.  
  • Think French when you need to impress a date.  Just bring bread and cheese!

Go for a Walk - KCU is located near 3 state parks, Grayson Lake, Greenbo, and Carter Caves.  Find an easy trail and go with a friend.  For a no-drive option, walk around campus and spend some time at the Cross.

Campus Activities - Download the Student Activities calendar and see what is happening on campus that you can attend!  You can often participate for free or for minimal costs in Knight Games, Donald’s Pancake House, intramural events, and sporting events!

Read/Study Outside - When the sun is shining and it is 70 degrees outside, reading or doing your homework outside is a great way to enjoy the weather and get some studying done.  Benches and picnic tables are located around campus for your use and you can always spread out a blanket under a tree!

Stargazing - Are you a night owl?  Download an app to your phone that will help you identify constellations in the sky!

Start a New Hobby - YouTube is a great source for ideas of types of hobbies that you can try and how to do them.  Many of them can be inexpensive with supplies from the local dollar store or even free if you use supplies that you already have.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Writing - Write a book, start a journal, write song lyrics.
  • Photography - Take pictures on your phone and create albums or art with them.
  • Reading - Stop by the library, check out a graphic novel or book and take reading breaks.
  • Drawing - Grab a sheet of paper. a pencil or pen, and draw people and places around you.  Paper has endless possibilities for art.
  • Crocheting or Knitting - Grab some yarn, a hook or needles, and learn a needlework skill.  Free patterns are available at Ravelry.com.
  • Learn a new Language - Ask a friend who is bilingual to teach you their language.  Look for a free app to help you learn a new language.

Enjoy the rest of the semester exploring free/inexpensive ways to relax and spend your free time!