When I checked my debit card balance this morning, I was shocked to find that I had about $30 remaining. I was 99% sure that when I logged into my bank account I would find at least $100 in there, so you can imagine my shock. I’m sure that many of my fellow students have felt this way, as we’re passing midway in the semester and budgeting money is getting more and more difficult. As I’m making plans with my friends for the weekend, I’m thinking about what I can do on a college budget, so here are my favorite (inexpensive) things to do in Boston.
- A day in Boston Common
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The Boston Common is one of the most touristy places in Boston, but for good reason. You can head on the T to Park Street and explore the area, but when you do, check out Brattle Book Shop! It’s a used bookshop that sells books for as little as $1! After buying some books, you can head to Thinking Cup and grab some coffee and a sandwich for as little as $5.70. End the adventure with a picnic in the Common itself where you can listen to a variety of live singers perform nearby and take aesthetically pleasing Instagram pictures by the pond.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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Located deep in Fenway, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a favorite among students in Boston. Not only do they have stunning art, but the courtyard looks like a natural wonderland with beautiful flowers and greenery everywhere. Isabella Stewart Gardner was a 19th-century art collector who traveled all over the world acquiring pieces from places like Italy, Russia, and Egypt. If you go to the museum with your BU ID and get a ticket in person, you receive free general admission! Fun fact: If your name is Isabella, you get a lifetime of free admission to the museum!
- Citi Bike around Boston
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You have probably seen the blue Citi Bikes all around the BU campus and city, whether someone is riding them or you pass by the bike stations. Well, I’m here to tell you this is a sign to become one of those countless bikers by renting a blue bike for a couple of hours. There are so many fun routes to explore, whether it’s going deep into the city of Boston, passing through Back Bay and the Boston Commons, or riding across one of the bridges that connect Boston and Cambridge. Whatever you choose, know that it’s only $2.95 to ride for the first 30 minutes, and then an extra $2.50 for every 30 minutes after. There’s just something so special about riding the bikes into the city at sunset and seeing the reflection of the sun on all of the buildings.
Tessa Pesicka / Her Campus - Go to a Red Sox Game
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One of the many awesome aspects of the BU campus is that it’s right next to Fenway Park, the home of our very own Red Sox. In fact, if you text STUDENTS to 23215, you’ll be eligible to receive discounted tickets, meaning you only have to pay $9 to see a game! The Fenway area also has fun stuff to do besides watching baseball like checking out the Red Sox-themed stores and eating at cafes like Pavement Coffeehouse and Tatte Bakery & Cafe. Supporting the Red Sox is a part of the Boston culture, so don’t forget to sign up for these discounts and check out a game when they’re in-season.
- Honorable Mention: Coolidge Corner
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Walk to Coolidge Corner and check out a movie at the local theater. They have Student Thursdays with tickets for only $11.75 and special movie nights like a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight on Halloween!
Even though Boston is known for its high prices, there are some hidden gems around the city that don’t have to eat up your Debit card. Consider one of these options next time you look at your bank account and are horrified by the low balance.
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