How to Have a Social Life on a College Student Budget

College is an incredibly exciting time in your life when so many opportunities are open to you — and somehow, all of them cost money.

Building relationships and community at college is easier than ever before, but you're also operating on a college student budget that makes it challenging to say yes to every activity. Let's talk about some ways to balance your budget and your social life with smart financial management and cost-savvy outing ideas.

Smart Financial Stewardship

Before we talk about fun activities you can do on a budget, let's explore how to save money in college and be a good steward of your finances — while allowing yourself to actually enjoy the college experience and the rich social life that comes with it.

Set a Budget

A budget can help you figure out how much expendable income you have every month for meals or activities with friends — and help you know when you're overextending yourself. If you're stuck wondering how to budget as a college student, don't worry! There are plenty of great resources out there. 

First, take a look at our college student budget app recommendations to find out if any of these expense tracking systems are right for you. If you'd rather work with a college student-friendly budget worksheet every month, start with one of these templates and try working through these guidelines to build your personal budget.

If you need help with finances that go beyond guidance on how to set up a budget in college, reach out to DBU's Office of Financial Aid. The team there can help you find scholarships, grants and loans, and other resources that make college work for you.

While sticking to your budget is extra vital in the lean college years, don't let your thriftiness become stinginess. There's a balanced financial life that exists somewhere between going overboard financially and allowing frugality to become an idol of its own.

Surround Yourself With Likeminded Friends 

Whether we're talking about your walk with God or your relationship with your wallet, it's essential to make sure that you and your closest friends are on the same page. If financial accountability is important to you, make sure your tightest friends are people who understand when you just can't afford an activity, encourage you to stick to your budget, and help you find creative ways to maintain relationships without overspending.

If you need some extra help, talk to a responsible friend about becoming financial accountability partners.

Quit Comparing

No matter how financially mindful your friends are, you will always have people in your life who can afford dinners, vacations, concerts, and other experiences that are outside of your price range. Instead of pushing yourself beyond your means so you can keep up with the crowd, practice self-control and contentment and embrace the challenge of making do with what you have. 

As 1 Timothy 6:6-7 reminds us, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (NIV).

Find Affordable Entertainment on a College Student Budget

Now that we've gotten ourselves in a wise mindset about our approach to spending, here are some activity ideas that make sense for a college student's budget.

Switch Up Your Timeline 

If you want to do popular activities on a budget, think about timing. Want to go to the movies with friends? Try a cheap matinee showing instead of an evening screening. Want to grab a meal together? Try lunch or coffee for a cheaper alternative to dinner at a restaurant. If you're a loyal patron of some beloved close-to-campus eateries, try looking for specials or happy hours for discounted meals and apps.

Shop Smarter

If shopping is a beloved bonding activity for you and your friends, but you're working with college student money instead of a designer budget, try thrifting. Thrifting, buying secondhand, and shopping consignment aren't just massive trends at the moment — they're smart ways to get great products for a fraction of their original price. You might also consider organizing a clothing swap with friends to get new-to-you clothes for free.

Keep it Free

Part of the joy of college is living in close proximity to other students, a factor that makes it easy to plan home hangouts on a college student budget. There are plenty of things you can do at home with friends beyond just streaming a movie together — try cooking a meal, planning a board game or puzzle night, or getting your whole friend group together for a weekly Bible study, book club, dinner party, or arts and crafts night. The DFW area also offers a variety of free events to do with friends!

Check Out Campus Events

Make the most of your time on campus and save money by sampling DBU sports (students get free tickets!), student life events, or fine arts productions at student ticket prices. You'll enjoy a fun, cheap night out with friends and help fellow students feel supported as they take to the stage, field, or court.

Volunteer Together

If you want to make the most of your time with friends, consider giving back together. Whether you love working with kids and families or have a heart for animals, the Dallas area has volunteer opportunities that will fit your interests and build your connection to your community. Of course, you can always volunteer alone, but we know from Matthew 18:20 the power of the Christian community, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (NIV).

Keeping a full social calendar in college doesn't have to involve breaking the bank every month. Ultimately, your time spent connecting with others — not the price tag on your activity — is what matters.