By Amanda Forderhase and Mandy Durose
Being a college student on a budget can be a struggle, especially if you’re new to a town. Here are a few, cost-friendly activities and restaurants that will help you enjoy your evening/weekend without breaking the bank.
ACTIVITIES:
Tenx9 (ten by nine):
Tenx9 is a free storytelling event where nine people have 10 minutes to tell a true story from their life. This spectacular story event is hosted every third Monday at Cafe Coco, located at 210 Louise Ave. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll have a great time. If all that makes you hungry, Café Coco has some delicious food! No purchase is necessary, though. Tenx9’s next storytelling event is October 21 at 7:30 p.m. Café Coco fills up rapidly on these nights, so be sure to come a few minutes early. Take a few of your friends with you, and you’ll be sure to have an evening unlike any other. AF
The Frist:
If you are interested in seeing the best of local art, The Frist is the place for you. Located on 919 Broadway, you are just a short drive away from one of Nashville’s most diverse art museums. The best part? Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00-9:00 p.m. are free to college students with their ID. Parking is not free, but if you don’t mind walking a short distance, you can avoid this cost as well. AF
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum:
Enjoy the last warm nights of the year with an enchanted walk through Cheekwood’s landscape exhibit LIGHT: Bruce Munro. Grab a special someone and stroll through the outdoor art installation, which displays hundreds of glowing optic fibers by British artist, Bruce Munro. The fairy tale experience runs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 4:30-11:00 p.m, through November 11. Admission to explore the beauty and creativity of the garden is only $8 with a college ID. Visit www.lightatcheekwood.com to skip the line and buy tickets in advance. MD
The Belcourt and Regal Cinema Green Hills 16:
Nestled on the corner of 21st and Belcourt Ave. sits The Belcourt Theater. Films ranging in a variety of genres grace the non-profit institution’s screen 365 days a year. The historic theater strives to enrich innovative film in the Nashville community and encourages college students to experience the theater’s passion with a student price of $7.75 for both matinee and evening show times. Just remember to bring your student ID!
If you’d like to see some of the most talked-about blockbusters, then head over to Regal Cinemas in Green Hills to see current film productions. Regal Cinemas offers dollar-off ticket prices for college students. MD
Centennial Sportsplex:
Whether you prefer to glide on the edges of a skate or splash into a pool, Centennial Sportsplex has something to offer. Located on 25th Ave. North, the Sportsplex provides a variety of activities and opportunities for fun and exercise. For only $6, students can skate or swim during available public hours. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a beginner or an expert in the sport. You can bring your own hockey or figure skates or rent a pair for $2. Check www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Centennial-Sportsplex.aspx for specific dates and times. MD
FOODS:
Table 3:
Table 3 is a classy restaurant/market that offers delicious food starting at $12 an entree. That is, every day except Wednesday. On Wednesday, the burgers at Table 3 are only $5. This includes the burger cooked to your preference and a side of either fries, salad or onion rings. The only catch is you have to order them at the bar. That is a small price to pay for deliciously cheap food, though. Located in Green Hill’s beside the Regal, Table 3 is just a short drive or walk, away. Enjoy Hump Day! AF
Boscos:
Using only the freshest ingredients possible, Boscos is certainly an extraordinary experience. They don’t give many discounts, but to students with a valid student ID, they are willing to give 10-15 percent off. You can find Boscos at 1805 21st Avenue South. The location and atmosphere would make Boscos part of a great Friday night. AF
Las Paletas:
Las Paletas is one of the most popular sweet stops in Nashville, serving gourmet popsicles in a variety of flavors. Not only this, but their popsicles are handmade and hand-wrapped! Besides these things, the family that owns Las Paletas is very sweet. Because many of its clients are broke college students, Las Paletas has marked its prices down as much as possible. Even in the cooler months to come, Los Paletas will be a tasty treat. They are located at 2905 12th Avenue South, which makes a Las Paletas popsicle the perfect study-break snack. AF
Cheesecake Factory:
Just minutes away from our campus, the Cheesecake Factory seems like a go-to place to get that late night sweet treat. With the smooth, creamy, sky-high cheesecake slices available, it seems close to impossible to deny a trip down to the Green Hills location. While a college student discount would make this delightful treat taste even better, the Cheesecake Factory does not offer one at this time. However, if you log onto Facebook and like their page, the restaurant will offer exclusive discounts. MD
Chill Frozen Yogurt: MD
With the weather getting cooler, who says our desserts can’t either? Head to Chill Frozen Yogurt in Green Hills and receive a 15 percent discount with a college ID. The self-serve fro-yo hang out includes not only a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, but also a range of toppings. Chill is a great place to relax after a stressful week or have a study break with friends. MD