January is a rough month for me.   Despite my attempts to budget more keenly each year, the effects of holiday spending always take their toll.   The impossibility of living up to all of my lofty new year’s resolutions becomes glaringly obvious right around mid-month.   The period between stipend checks seems to drag on for eternity as I turn to pickle sandwiches and vegan mac ‘n cheese as my staple diet.   And if you’re living in hostile winter climes like me and don’t enjoy trudging through snow drifts to class, the bitter cold tends to put a damper on everything in general.

But, enough complaining about my disdain for January–it’s over, and we made it.   I’m relieved to see the back of January, and enthusiastic to forge ahead into the coming months.   I’ll share a few pieces of advice to help get through those deep-winter doldrums and stay sane when you find yourself buried in a pile of schoolwork and barely enough cash to scrape by.

1.   Seek out free events on campus.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I’m constantly amazed at the amounts of interesting lectures, guest speakers, film screenings, workshops, recitals, and concerts that are offered for free.   While some may pique your interest more than others, you may be surprised to find that something outside your primary academic field can nicely complement your educational experience.   Plus, it’ll make you feel smarter.

If your campus has a graduate/professional student organization, sign up for their mailing list or find out if they host special events.   In the beginning of the semester, my school’s GPSO hosted a “free appetizer night” at an upscale local restaurant, with drink specials included.   An added benefit: hours of enjoyment just from watching ravenous graduate students descend upon gratis spinach-alfredo pizzas and queso bowls moments after being placed on the table.   Free food:   a timeless ploy that will apparently never lose its value, no matter how much one may scoff at it!

2.   Milk that student discount!

I recently attended the Pride Film Festival in Bloomington, a wonderful three-day event here in the heart of Indiana packed with LGBTQ-themed films from around the globe, special educational/networking events, and after-parties.   The student price of a festival pass to gain access to all of the weekend’s events was only $14.

For three days of film programming and entertainment in my college town, I spent less than if I’d gone out for dinner and a movie at the local cineplex.   The films were fantastic, the atmosphere was wonderful, and it was very exciting to know that aside from the very economical cost for students to attend, LGBTQ-themed events like this are occurring in greater numbers in small towns.   With a little research, you may be delighted to find that these events are occurring closer to you than you may think, if you happen to be outside the urban meccas of queer life.   Check PlanetOut for a list of LGBTQ film festivals and locations.

Another note on student discounts:   chances are, even though some establishments may not advertise it, most businesses in and around college campuses offer student discounts or prices–on everything from specific food items and specials, to movie tickets, to percentage discounts on total purchases.   Make it a habit to ask at the register if there is a student discount, and more often than not, you’ll at least save a few bucks here and there.   Definitely worth it if you’re strapped for cash and every dollar counts.

3.   Netflix (or other mail-in movie rental services)

For me, renting several films a week is an inevitability, as film and media is a primary focus for me in school.   But academia aside, for me the most cost-effective and convenient way to stay entertained and engaged when on a budget is through Netflix.

Depending on how much money I have in a given month, I tailor my account accordingly–when I’m flush, I lean toward the 3-at-a-time unlimited package.   When I’m dipping into my laundry money coins to buy spaghetti noodles, I “downgrade” to 1-at-a-time, or pause my account until I can afford it again.   Over the years, Netflix has been my favorite form of inexpensive entertainment, and with the advent of the “watch it now” feature, subscribers can get more instant gratification and bang for their buck.

Compared to the $5-$7 it may cost to rent just one film at a video rental chain, spending $8.99 on unlimited rentals for a month can really add up in savings.   And if you’re new to it, there’s nearly always a free one month trial period to test-drive the service.

This is far from an exhaustive list on how to entertain yourself cheaply during wintry weather, but it’s a start.   I’d love to know what you do to decompress when you’re not reading thousands of pages for class or grading student papers, especially when on a budget.   I encourage your input!

(Photo credit:   stock.xchng)