Social life on the cheap

Cheap ways to meet new people:

1. Join a study group. It’s a good way to meet people while forcing you to get your studying done. Two birds with one stone. And tho I’m of the mind that group studying may not be the most efficient means to learn something, you’ll often pick up something you hadn’t thought of before, and the inefficiencies can be excused if there are interesting people involved.
2. Increase your chances of getting assigned to be lab partners with that really cute girl by changing your last name to start with the same letter as hers. Or, just ask her before anyone else does.
3. Join a club. Most colleges have tons of them. Find something you’re interested in and give it a whirl. Don’t think you have to be an expert to join. People love to share what they know with those who want to learn.
4. Expand your horizons. Live on the dorm’s uppermost floor. No advice here, just a stupid attempt at humor.
5. Get out of your room. I know - it’s warm, safe, comfortable (unless you live in a dorm), and your computer lives there, but most of what living is about exists outside its four walls.
6. Walk into an open door. Usually dorm room doors are open because the people inside want visitors. Pretend to be interested in their amazingly inappropriate posters. And remember, it’s always better to walk into open doors than it is to walk into closed ones. Looks better.
7. Put your hands up and move away from the computer monitor. Now. See the Geezers diatribe on this subject at the bottom of this page.
8. Play intramural sports. Make friends, get exercise, and meet that cute nurse at the college medical center. Crutches are babe magnets. (actually, they really are, although I’m not suggesting you deliberately maim yourself in a sad attempt to get attention. Most societies still frown on self-mutilation, but then again, how do you explain tongue piercings?)
9. Ask for help. Having trouble in class? Ask that cute girl who seems to get it to help you out. Here’s how to approach her: You - mumbling to yourself as you pass her – “Woe is me. Why can I not comprehend the illusive essence of this subject? If only there existed a kind soul with a superior intellect who could guide me thru this maze of confusion.” If she responds with anything other than “Hey stupid, get off my foot” or “What’s that smell?” then you’re golden.
10. Go to campus events. Most on-campus events are affordable. Concerts, art showings, dances, outdoor movies, sporting events, ice-block races, fashion shows, the Entomology Club’s annual BBQ and snack-fest, etc…
11. Friends of friends. Have your friends introduce you to their friends. It might work.
12. Take advantage of free or low-cost campus facilities like the gym, swimming pool, golf course, bowling alley, library (oh the stories I could tell..) Trust me, these things will rarely be free again.
13. Have someone buy you a Wii. It’s fun, it’s almost exercise, it’s social, and girls dig them too. Your room could be the center of attention on your floor! Just remember how to close your door. Really. Accept/demand donations for new games.
14. Take up a new sport or teach someone a sport you’re already good at – “Wii tennis anyone?”
15. Go to some parties. Don’t mean to preach, but the key here is moderation. We’ve all had a friend who had to drop out because they partied too much, either by going to too many parties at the expense of school, or by needing a drink in their hand in order to have fun. But if you pick the right parties, and stay yourself, chances are you can have some fun and meet new people as well.
16. Try something new. And no, I’m not talking about a new brand of adult beverage. Most likely you will never again have the resources at your disposal that you do during college. Make use of them. If you can’t find something new and interesting to do at college then you’re not trying. Don’t’ make me say it again.
17. Go to church – It’s a good place to meet people with similar values. And because the church is in a college town chances are they’ll go out of their way to reach out to college students and make them feel welcome. This usually results in plenty of social events and other opportunities to meet people of your own age and values. And it sure doesn’t hurt to spend some time each week putting things into perspective
18. Try a new church of a different flavor.  Expand your horizons - it’s easier than living on the top floor of your dorm.
19. I know I’m going to catch grief for this, but….The most expensive and absolutely worst way to meet new people of the opposite sex?  Bars. Ask any of the happily married couples you know where they met. The results will most likely be thought provoking.

Paid entertainment:

1. Use your Student Discounts. I’m stating the obvious here only to remind you to take advantage of them. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save. Ask if there’s a student discount even if it isn’t posted. Chances are in a college town there will be a student discount, and if not, there will be eventually if enough people ask for them.
2. Movies - Look for dollar day or matinee discounts. In bigger towns there will often be a theater that shows older movies, or movies at the end of their runs, at great discounts. Ask around.
3. If you’re going to school near a major city then ask for one of those Entertainment books for Christmas. There are a lot of two for one coupons in there. Just don’t let it drag you into going out too much, or spending more than your budget allows.
4. Dining out.

• Early bird specials: Almost always considerably cheaper and you’ll realize there are people in the real world that are not within 10 years of your age.
• Truck stops: Lots of good affordable food, and an atmosphere to die for….
• Ask around for suggestions. You’re looking for big portions of filling food at an affordable price. Take the leftovers home – good for another meal – and the little aluminum swans are just to die for.

Don’t forget to check out our 10 Cheap Dates for under $10 page.

One final suggestion from the Geezer: Quit WOW. Really. Why pay 15 bucks a month so you can veg in front of your computer for hours each day, while real life, and real opportunities (never to knock again) pass you by. Pong was state of the art 30 years ago. Imagine what gaming will be like in the future.

I have little doubt that before we know it virtual reality will be more exciting than real life - all without consequences or effort. Except that it won’t be real. Where is this taking us? What will happen when the feelings, emotions, and rewards that have driven the progress of the human race in the past can be achieved thru computer games without effort, cost, dedication or social interaction? I don’t know, but it worries me. Take advantage of your college experience; don’t waste it watching pixels dance around a screen. (Lecture over…)

Any other suggestions? Let us know by filling out the form below.

Till later.