Learn for fun

• Want a behind the scenes look at your favourite product or media outlet? Take a free tour of your city newspaper or chocolate bar factory. Just call them up and ask for the next tour time.
  
  
• Libraries contain a wealth of fun stuff. From novels to CDs to cookbooks and magazines, your local library has it all. Many libraries now allow you to review catalogues, reserve, and renew books online. You can also take out copies of magazines, or sit and read current ones. The daily paper's available, as is an Internet connection if you don't have it at home. And don't forget to sign up for the summer reading series and get your free stickers for every book you read!
  
  
• Your local library should also have a great program of interactive seminars and classes. Learn how to start a container garden, write a resume, or build a website.
  
  
• Exhibitions and trade shows are great places to snag free stuff, learn something new, or network for your career.
  
  
• During the first week back to school, sign up for free seminars and lessons when offered.

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Create some fun

• Go online. Create a personal website or family website where you can post what's happening in your life, your favourite sites, and other information.
  
  
• Take up a new hobby. Borrow the 'how to' books from the library, and visit discount stores for the material.
  
  
• Spend an afternoon building a bird feeder and fill it with birdseed. Hang it somewhere you can watch while studying.

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Give a little, get a little

• Volunteer. You'll get to do something fun, get the warm fuzzies and pad your resume all at once. You can volunteer for local events, concerts, or charities. Volunteer at your local humane society to provide comfort to cats or walk a dog. Your local free weekly paper will have listings of agencies looking for volunteers.
  
  
• Offer a helping hand. Help an elderly family member get groceries, read to a child, or offer to watch a friend's kid while they have a few hours to themselves.
  
  
• Join a campus club for discounts on events or retailers selling related products, and you'll meet new people with similar interests. Being a club members looks good on scholarship and job applications too.
  
  
• Join a fan club, or become a street team promoter. Some bands do free shows just for their fan club members - check out your favourite band's website to see if they offer something similar. They may offer free show tickets if you help promote the show in your area - by putting up posters, giving out flyers, etc.
  
  
• Yes, working can be fun! Get a job you like with people you enjoy. You'll have fun and make money.

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Pick up some culture

• Check your local bookstore for free readings by local or touring authors.
  
  
• Visit an art gallery opening. Enjoy an artist talk, free food, and absorb a little culture while you're at it.
  
  
• Most museums have a free admission day -- pack a lunch and avoid the gift shop.
  
  
• Students in Ottawa and Calgary can enjoy last-minute music, theatre, and dance tickets for next to nothing through Live Rush™. Visit www.liverush.ca for more information.
  
  
• Stay on campus and enjoy free or inexpensive drama productions, concerts, or art exhibitions.
  
  
• Attend a play on student night, or Pay What You Can Performances.

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Sarah Deveau is a graduate of the University of Calgary. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she spent her teenager years living in Hamilton and Calgary, where she now resides with her husband Keith, and her cat, Parker. During her five years in university, and her husband's seven years, they incurred a combined debt of just $6,000. Through the use of scholarships, part-time and full-time jobs, Sarah and Keith paid for their education even while getting married, moving out, and buying vehicles. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Get Your Degree Without Drowning in Debt (Dundurn), a 'how to' guide to obtaining a post-secondary education without incurring massive student loans. This book guides students through their post-secondary education, encouraging them to live within their means by being creative with their lifestyle. Article reprinted with permission of author.

Related reading:

• Tired of studying? Cheap fun ideas from a student's point of view
• Affordable and fun date ideas 
• Top 10 tips to survive university