As CU students slowly become adjusted to living in Boulder, they come to learn a lot of useful information about college life. It is nothing like teachers said it would be in high school. There are no surprise exams – in fact, you will know exactly when they are right from the beginning. The only true thing that many have been told was how broke they would be. With little money in a pricy college town, entertainment can be hard to come by. Luckily, Boulder has plenty of outlets for your cheap entertainment fix.
For music fans, there is plenty of cheap or free music to come by in Boulder. One option on campus is a weekly open-mic night. Located in the WeatherTech Café inside of the Center for Community, this event has plenty of fun, local talent. For those that are ambitious enough, go ahead and try to entertain – the show is open for all. Although instruments are brought in for everyone to use, it is wise to bring your own.
There are several ways for students to find cheap entertainment all about Boulder. Club 156 in the UMC often hosts free live concerts. (CU Independent/Jacob Spetzler)
Another great location for music on campus can be found in the UMC. Club 156, run by Program Council, hosts a plethora of local and national talent almost every weekend.
Program Council puts on plenty of incredible events, ranging from movie festivals to concerts. The group, located on campus, has a weekly film series in CHEM 140, which are free for students.
If students are willing to venture off campus, the Laughing Goat Café on Pearl Street is another institution that provides wonderful music for low prices. The price of entry is simply a cup of coffee. Ranging from jazz combos to folk groups, the musicians found playing at the Laughing Goat are talented and varied in genre.
If music is not your first choice for fun, then movies are another great option. Many businesses offer discounts for students, but few do so in the entertainment sector. Don’t fret, though. The International Film Series located right on campus in Muenzinger Auditorium shows some of the most acclaimed and cheapest movies in town. These films are some of the best foreign and domestic films ever made and only run $6 for students.
One final option for the thrifty college students looking for fun is the great outdoors. Boulder is full of fantastic trails to hike, run or explore. The Flatirons, Flagstaff Mountain and Mount Sanitas are all close and are free to use, with the exception of the occasional parking fee. Get outside and check out the beauty that Boulder has to offer.
Although Boulder may seem like it is one of the most expensive college towns in America, there are still options for students to have fun on a budget. If music, movies or the outdoors isn’t your thing, then just get out there and explore the city. Soon you will find why Boulder is so many people’s favorite place to be.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Patrick Fort at Patrick.fort@colorado.edu.
