Money misconceptions

Funds are not a prerequisite for fun

MARIA SIMPSON / OPINION EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Welcome to higher education: the chance to get a degree in something you are passionate about and pursue a successful career in whatever field you choose. Although classes, sports and clubs can be fun, most first-year students are more excited for the potential adventures they will have with new friends and the memories they will make. Unfortunately, there is one foreboding wall between college students and new thrills in San Diego: money. Let’s face it, the broke college kid stereotype exists for a reason. Many college students have jobs, but some of those jobs are only over the summer, part-time or for minimum wage pay. First-year students especially fit this demographic, so thinking about spending money for fun in college may understandably make your head spin. However, rest assured that money isn’t necessary to have fun in college.

Needing money to have fun in college is a huge and unfortunately common misconception. Especially in a city like San Diego, where — let’s be honest — the cost of living is nothing to sneeze at, many leisurely activities also come with a hefty price tag. I believe that the glamorized version of college we picture in our heads convinces many students that they need to drop the big bucks to make the memories everyone associates with “college.” Luckily, that is far from the truth. 

Like many students, I was worried about how much money I would need in order to have an enjoyable time in college. Just taking a quick glance at prices of various activities around San Diego was the root of  a lot of my concerns. Sure, I could pay a little extra to go paddle boarding one weekend and splurge in Little Italy the next, but spending that much money every week is not practical for most students. 

Over time, I realized that there are lots of opportunities to engage in spontaneous and fun activities that are cheap or even free, and some of my best college memories were made doing the simplest things. Movie and game nights, hiking and spontaneous milkshake runs can be incredibly fun and create such pure, lasting memories with your friends, while staying on a budget. Since freshman year, my friends and I have gone on late night drives where we drive nowhere in particular and just sing along as we blast music with the windows rolled down. It’s such a simple way to spend time, but it truly created some of my favorite memories with those friends. When you find ways to have fun that aren’t digging into your wallet regularly, then you can afford to splurge a little more every now and then.

There are endless free and cheap possibilities that you could explore, but I’d like to share a few of my favorite options that your budget will love. Of course, there is nothing more “San Diego” than having a beach day. The area is home to several different beaches to enjoy, such as Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and my personal go-to, Mission Beach which is just a 15 minute drive from campus. Swimming, playing volleyball, or just chilling with a good book are a few possibilities to indulge in at the beach. 

Balboa Park is another beautiful nature-centered option to explore. Many of the park’s gardens and art and history museums are free to enter. I also suggest looking at last-minute concert tickets. While these are not free, low prices for some great shows are often found closer to the show’s date. 

Of course, movie nights, game nights and late night drives with roommates are easy ways to bond and make some great memories. San Diego also offers several great hiking trails; a couple of classic hikes that I enjoyed were Potato Chip Rock and Annie’s Canyon Trail. Finally, don’t forget to look for student discounts. Lots of shops and restaurants offer discounts, so take advantage of those.

Finding transportation can sometimes be tricky for first-year students when going out. Luckily, USD is located central to a wide range of options, so splitting an Uber or Lyft between three or four people is not too pricey. There is also a USD tram that takes students to Old Town free of charge. 

Overall, I believe that managing money and doing research is the most effective way to save while also engaging in new pastimes. I’ve given a few of my favorite cheap activities in San Diego, but continue to research other options and good deals waiting out there. While budgeting may not be fun in itself, it can be made simple and help students stretch their money farther. Taking note when you spend a lot and watching patterns can help one notice when it is time to cut back a little. Keeping a budget will ensure that you are not spending too much and know where your money is going.    

While students may feel pressured to spend money or think they need to spend a lot in order to have fun, know that this is not true. Whether out dancing at a concert or just hanging out in a dorm, the best college memories are made with friends, not with money.