Tip #37: Save on Entertainment

Studying sucks - so take a night off and have some fun!

But Holly (you may exclaim), entertainment is expensive, and we are but students of humble means.

Here are some ways to save on entertainment while at university

Love watching movies? No need to spend money at Blockbuster or the local Cineplex. The Nipissing and North Bay Public Library rent out movies for free! There are all the old classics, but also top new releases (especially at the Public Library - you should seriously check out what they have!). As a Nipissing student, you can present your student card to get a library card for the Public Library. If the big screen is more your thing, then check out the notice boards for updates on movies nights. Most clubs have them, and often even serve free snacks. Plus, Nipissing's lecture halls (especially in the H-Wing) can be just like movie theaters with their big projectors. Cinema Politica here at Nipissing also shows independent documentaries (check outhttp://www.cinemapolitica.org/nipissing).

(North Bay Public Library)

Love TV? (but hate the cost of cable)? You can watch most new programs online these days, both in the legal way (ex. CTV and CBC have video players) and the not-as-legal way (ex. sites like megavideo). One tip, however, is that if you're going the not-so-legal route, NEVER download a program from a random site. It will just get viruses on your computer. Instead, go the streaming route.

Love to do fun and wacky activities? Clubs or department student associations always have fun and wacky activities planned for students, usually for free or for a very small cost. I know business and math students go curling at least once a year, history puts on pub nights and poli sci does free lunches all the time. I even know someone who loved playing "NERF" so much that he started a nerf club, and the student union gave him funds to organize activities. Over my time at Nipissing I've been president of quite a few clubs, and I know for a fact that they all want participants for their events - so it's a win-win situation for you and the club when you take part.

(Historical Halloween Pub Night)

Love live music? There are all sorts of bands playing at all sorts of bars and restaurants in the city. For the price of a drink, you can often listen to live music (ex. at the Bull and Quench downtown). If classical is more your style, check out student tickets to the symphony (only $10), go to a concert of the22 Wing Band at a local high school, or check out our own Near North Voices. Often these concerts will be absolutely free!