Trade Over-Priced Drinks for Unforgettable Memories

By Avery Delgadillo

How much money do you usually spend a night out drinking with your friends: twenty, forty, sixty dollars? Some readers may have just rolled their eyes or thought “C’mon, that’s such an exaggeration,” but the truth is – alcoholic beverages are not cheap!

As college students, we live jam-packed, hectic and stressful lives. When we have a day off, assignments are all turned in and some weight has been lifted off of our shoulders, we want to make the most of it. What are our first options? Usually sleep but if you have enough energy and feel like socializing, the second option comes into play. In typical college culture fashion, students of age choose to drink alcohol.

Although this option is not a shameful one, as long as you have your DUDE, it’s quite depressing to your bank account. What’s even more unfortunate is that the memories made the night before may be blurred or possibly nonexistent in your mind the next day.

As an adult in college, working toward one of the most distinguished accomplishments of your life, don’t leave with only the receipts of blacked out, over-priced nights to show how you let loose! I have done the work for you (you’re welcome) and researched affordable, fun and memorable activities you and your friends can do together on those rare days off.

If you have never heard of Groupon, I am about to change your world. Groupon  offers discounted prices on tangible items at one end of the spectrum to exciting experiences on the other. I can empathize with college students when I say, I know budgets are tight but the activities available to you through Groupon are going to let you affordably invest in your passions and desires.

Unforgettable memories start here:

• Comal Tubes: 2 tubes for $18 or 4 for $34
• Amy Schumer at the AT&T Center: $46
• Extreme Escape: $75 for 4 ($18.75 per person)
  • Your friends and you work together to escape from an extreme situation. If you like to solve problems, try this out!
• Cooking Classes for One Year: $19
• K1 Speed: $48 ($24 per person) for 4 races for 1 or 2 persons and two yearly licenses.
  • Indoor go-kart racing
• Paintball Knights: $22 ($11 per person) for two people for all day play, 100 paintballs per player and included mask rental
• Kayak or Paddle Board Rental: $17
• Color Wars- 10/22/16: $40 for one admission or $75 for 2 admission tickets.
  • This color war obstacle course puts participants into different color teams with events such as inflatable jousting and bungee running.
• Music Lessons: (3) 30 minute private lessons with instrument of your choice at Studio 88 School of music for $35
• Urban Scavenger Race with 3Quest Challenge: Price varies on number of participants. Starting at $20 to $60.
• Hamilton Pool Preserve
  • Reserve your spot to take a dip in this beautiful pool, located in the Hill Country.
• Enchanted Rock
  • If you haven’t climbed the rock yet, you need to get it on the list. It’s a Texas must-do, and for safety’s sake, you must do it sober. There are a lot of deep crevices, so stay on top of your game here.

If you choose to purchase a Groupon, you will need to open an account with them (its free) and enter your location to find your local options.

I encourage everyone to explore their communities, volunteer with charities that share the same passions as you or take small excursions outside of your city on your time off. The money in our bank accounts was earned by someone, lets trade in the overpriced drink and blurred nights for experiences with people we’ll never forget.

If you would like to share any hidden gems near you or a great adventure you believe others should experience, please leave a comment below!

Avery is a Senior at University of Texas, San Antonio. She is studying Communication, with a concentration in Public Relations.