What To Do Around The University Of Missouri Columbia When You’re Broke AF
Let’s be honest, we’re all broke around here, but having fun doesn’t have to be pricey. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do around campus so you don’t end up bored AF too! Here’s a list of the top ten things to do when you’re broke AF at The University of Missouri Columbia!
1. Take a hike or ride a bike.
When you think of Mid-Missouri you probably don’t think of the great outdoors, however Columbia Mo is home to some of the best trails in Missouri. Both the Katy Trail and Capen Park are within walking distance of Campus, making them easily accessible to students. If you don’t mind a short drive, you can hike through the beautiful Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
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2. Go to an Art Crawl.
The North Village Arts District hosts a free art crawl the first Friday of every month from 6pm to 9pm. Art galleries and local shops are open with free music, food and drinks. The North Village Art Crawl is a great way to do something fun with your friends on a Friday night without breaking the bank.
3. Grab a burger and play some pool at the shack.
The Shack is a favorite of both Mizzou students and alumni and has been a campus hangout for generations. This is a classic way to be broke AF at The University of Missouri Columbia. Located in the Mizzou Student Union, students can walk to the Shack and grab a cheeseburger from Mort’s for $2.39, making it one of the cheapest places to eat in town. Not only does the Shack provide cheap food, it also has free pool and an overall chill atmosphere making it the ideal place to hang out in between classes.
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4. Visit the historic town of Rocheport.
Rocheport Missouri is a quaint little town nestled along the Missouri River. It’s only a short drive away from Columbia, but if you want to save your gas money you can bike from Columbia to Rocheport on the Katy Trail. Once your there stop by the Les Bourgeois A- Frame for free music and a glass of local wine.
5. Rock climbing at the rec.
The Mizzou Rec Center is home to Scroggs Peak, a 35.5-foot climbing tower. Not sure if you want to spend the $19 dollars for a Scroggs Peak semester class? Well you can check it out for free at the Climbing 101 Class, offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-4pm.
6. Take a walk around Shelter Gardens.
Have a hot date but cant afford dinner? Try bringing her to Shelter Gardens. It’s a beautiful location and most importantly it’s free. Shelter Gardens is open all year from 8am to dusk and concerts are held there every Sunday evening in June and July. Pack and picnic and head to Shelter Gardens for the perfect inexpensive romantic date.
7. Sit by the fire at Cooper’s Landing.
Cooper’s Landing is a local favorite among Columbia natives. The campground is located next the Missouri River with convenient Katy Trail access. Don’t feel like camping? That’s okay, because Copper’s Landing is more than just a campground. Most weekends the campground has live music as well as local Thai food from Chim’s Thai Kitchen. You can enjoy the beauty of the Missouri River at no cost while listening to some local tunes.
8. Get baked at Hot Box Cookies.
In the mood for a cookie? Hot Box Cookies has arguably the best cookies in the Mid-West. With classic cookies costing $1.25 a cookie, you could dig through the extra quarters in your backpack and afford a trip to the cookie shop. If you want to stay a little longer, Hot Box cookies has board games you can play while munching on their cookies. It’s the most delicious way to be broke AF at The University of Missouri Columbia. That’s a Friday night costing you a grand total of $1.25.
9. Check out a Mizzou After Dark Event.
Mizzou After Dark is a student run organization that provides Mizzou students with free late night events like their “Almost Midnight Breakfast” event, spa night and movies. If you’re looking for free fun, free food and a place to hang out check out a Mizzou After Dark Event.
10. Take a cave tour through Devil’s Ice Box.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can take a hike through Rock Bridge Memorial State Park to Devil’s Icebox. The Devil’s Ice Box cave, hosts cave tours from April to May and August to October. If you don’t happen to make it during the tour months you can hike down to the mouth of the cave a take a little peek.
What are your favorite things to do when you’re broke AF at The University of Missouri Columbia? Comment below and share the article!
Featured photo source: instagram.com and eatfatdaveys.com
