Going to school in Boston always seemed like a good idea. The vast amount of things to do around the city gives us the opportunity to live out our wildest twenty year old dreams.
Once you pursue some of these experiences and realize you have to buy tickets, pay a bill at the end of the night, or pay an entrance fee – all that Boston living stuff may not seem like the best idea anymore. .
What’s the point of living in Boston for four years without ever exploring your surroundings? If you’ve never gone to a Red Sox or Celtics game, visited museums, eaten really good Italian food and frequented famous bars, have you really lived in Boston?
It’s important not to let finances get in the way of your full Boston experience — and no, I don’t mean that in a privileged way, going through your dad’s credit card. I mean there are some simple practices that could ensure you have a fun activity every two weeks.
For starters, keep ordering and going to restaurants under control. It’s not the smartest choice to skip your meal plan or a homemade meal in favor of fast food or Grubhub. I like to keep my restaurant meals at least once a week – or at least I try to. Even though it may cost $10, the money adds up quickly.
What adds up even faster is the coffee and other daily drinks. Investing in a coffee machine or a monthly plan at a local cafe helps avoid unnecessary expenses. A simple cup of coffee costs no less than $3 these days.
A part-time job could be extremely beneficial, if you can make time for it in your schedule. The good thing about living in Boston is that there are a million jobs for tutoring, babysitting, or nannying that pay well and are usually flexible with student schedules. On-campus jobs are great because professors are in touch with the workload and adjust expectations accordingly. Plus, it’s a short commute if you live on or near campus. Part-time jobs may seem like very low-paying — and they often are — but a few shifts a week might be enough to pay for your weekend outings.
If you’re like me and you’re from the opposite coast, or maybe from the Midwest or overseas, chances are there’s a lot of places on the East Coast that you don’t. have ever seen. Most of the time, state borders can be crossed in an hour or two. It may be worth investing in short trips. If friends go to school near you, maybe pay them a visit and see what their new college life is like. Many mini-trips can be taken without the need for a hotel room or plane ticket, reducing expenses.
I mean, as long as we’re in Boston, might as well have fun, right?