Being a student can be many things; stressful, testing, worrying, the list goes on. But when all the exams are over, and thankfully you have actual spare time on your hands, what do you do? Your leftover student loan has to stretch until the end of the year, but you can’t just sit there twiddling your thumbs. OK, a tenner could get you a cinema ticket (if you avoid any sweet treats) or maybe a treat to some pub grub, but sometimes you want something a little different ─ especially when your only foreseeable option is a day of binge-watching Netflix. Here are some of our ideas that won’t break the bank!

Retro Sleepover

Grab a couple of your closest friends, pick someone’s living room, buy a couple of bags of popcorn and you’ve got yourself a whole night of fun. And cheap fun at that! By combining a couple of old school board games with a reel of 90s films and plenty of goodies, you’re in for a chilled night, costing you pretty much nothing. Obviously using the parent’s electricity…

Come Dine with Me

You might not want to take it to the extent of cooking a three-course meal and providing an evening of entertainment, but for under £10, you will be able to cook a few friends a meal. Take it in turns in your group and vote! Now is the time to see what culinary skills you learnt through university, and you don’t even have to leave your house! Much of the student accommodation provided in Lancaster with us has space enough to host this; no excuses and no beans on toast allowed.

Be a Tourist in Your own Town

You may have lived in your home town or city since birth, or if not a long time. So, have you ever visited the local galleries or museums, or your areas monuments? This doesn’t need to cost anything sometimes; most places have walking routes or free entry to museums. Maybe even grab a day rider on the bus and explore an area you’ve never been.

Shopping on a Budget

Shopping for leisure doesn’t have to be an expensive excursion. As a student, markets and charity shops are your best friend and, believe it or not, you can find some treasures and bargains if you’re lucky. Don’t forget: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so you could find your favourite film, a designer jumper or some new homeware for an absolute steal! You do have a new flat to fill again in September.

After all that studying and exam stress, you deserve to have a little spare time to indulge in the things you love to do. Even though it can be difficult on a budget, it can be done. There are a number of exciting things to do in Lancaster which all students can take advantage of while on a budget. With our accommodation perfectly located, you can relax in your flat or venture out into the city. To find out more about our accommodation simply get in touch with our friendly team; to read part two of this guide, go here!