11 Things To Do At Syracuse University When You’re Broke AF

Syracuse University has tons of things to do when you're broke AF. Here are some cheap things to do at Syracuse when poor... or close to poor.

As a Syracuse student, you often find yourself scouring for loose change in the bottom of your backpack, praying you have enough to cover that 50 cent coffee you just ordered. Special on-campus events are often marked with a price tag and it may seem difficult to find cheap action during the school year, but fear not, fellow Orange-men, there are 11 things to do at Syracuse University when you’re broke AF.

Free Things To Do:

1. OAD Movie Nights

Movies are shown in Gifford Auditorium (HBC) on select dates at 11 P.M.. Rather than paying over $15 for a movie and popcorn at Destiny USA, students are able to see recent releases for free. A few highlights coming up in the Fall 2017 include and are not limited to: Baby Driver (Sep. 8 & 9), The Hitman’s Bodyguard (Sep. 29 & 30), Atomic Blonde (Oct. 20 & 21), and It (Dec. 1 & 2).

For a complete list of the Fall 2017 showings, visit: http://studentactivities.syr.edu/orange-after-dark/late-night-movies.html

2. Destiny on the Weekends

Every student at Syracuse knows that it is ridiculous to go to Destiny USA on a week day. Rather than paying a round-trip fee of $4, most wait for the weekend. On Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 6 P.M., a free shuttle will take Syracuse students from College Place to the front doors of Destiny USA. Although you will probably end up spending some cash at the mall, you can always window shop or just hang out with friends.

For a complete schedule, visit: https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/schedule-documents/su-schedules/2017-08-25-su-45-destiny-usa.pdf?sfvrsn=6

3. Work Out

With your valid Syracuse I.D., you have access to multiple gyms on campus, the most popular being the Archbold/Flanagan Gymnasium. If you truly have nothing else to do, you can put your wasted time to good use by getting yourself into shape. These gyms have cardio machines, weights, as well as multiple sports complexes (volleyball, racquetball, and basketball).

For a complete list of gyms and hours, visit: http://recreationservices.syr.edu/hours/index.html

4. Mayfest

Although Mayfest happens once a year, it is a fantastic festival that is free for Syracuse students. Free sodas, water, and snacks are available as well as a free concert. If you are 21+, you can show up with both your student I.D. and your driver’s license to obtain free alcohol; yes, Syracuse caters to everyone’s needs. Mayfest is held on Walnut Park behind the Bird Library.

For updates on Mayfest 2018, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Syracuse-Mayfest-395372204169307/

5. SUArt Galleries

At Syracuse University, students have free access to the art galleries on campus. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, completely free thing for you and your friends to do, the art galleries are the place to go. The galleries are open everyday, except Monday (Tues-Sun, 11Am-4:30PM; Thurs, 11Am-8PM). Current exhibitions this Fall 2017 include: Americans in Venice, In Gratitude, and The Lake Effects Editions.

For more information, visit: http://suart.syr.edu/

6. Go Syracuse!

Be on the watch for free admission to big Syracuse sporting events! Every year, each student is given a free ticket to see the opening football game at the Carrier Dome and free tickets to watch Women’s basketball and lacrosse. Syracuse sporting events are taken very seriously. There are several opportunities to do something fun for free!

For schedules, tickets, and more, visit: http://cuse.com/index.aspx

Cheap Things to Do Under $5

7. Orange After Dark Events

Some Orange After Dark (OAD) events are free. OAD offers a variety of activities for the students, all costing less than $5 per person. A few of the free events coming up this Fall 2017 include: Laser Tag, Blacklight Dodgeball and Mini Golf, and Murder Mystery Dinner. Some of the cheap events include: Get Air! Trampoline Park, Renegades Movie Premiere, and Cosmic Bowling. All tickets are available at the Schine Student Center box office.

For a full list of events, visit: http://studentactivities.syr.edu/orange-after-dark/index.html

The Typical Day of a Student at Cornell University

8. New York State Fair

The city of Syracuse is home to the great New York State Fair and on Labor Day, tickets to the fair are only $1! In the past, Syracuse University has offered $3 tickets to students through the Schine box office. Buses run for free from College Place, depositing you directly in front of the main entrance. The State Fair has lots of things to keep you and your friends occupied for hours on end, including free concerts, milk tastings, and giveaways. This year’s Fair is from August 23 – September 4; however, the free buses only run over Labor Day weekend.

For more State Fair information, visit: https://nysfair.ny.gov/

9. Rosamond Gifford Zoo

While regular admission to the Zoo is $8, anyone who visits in January and February for the featured “Snow Leopard Days” will only have to pay $4. The Zoo is 2.5 miles from Syracuse’s main campus; however, it is reachable by car as well as by Centro bus. The Zoo has a variety of exhibitions and animals for you to see and visit, including the seven, Asian elephants and the magnificent African lions.

For more information, visit: http://rosamondgiffordzoo.org/

10. The Erie Canal Museum

It is the only remaining weigh-lock building. The Erie Canal Museum is a must for students interested in local history. The Museum’s admission fee is by donation only, the suggested being $5. There is a rich history, containing artifacts, memoirs, and photographs about the famous Erie Canal. The museum is accessible by Centro bus.

For more information on the Museum, visit: http://eriecanalmuseum.org/

11. Tennity Ice Pavilion

Hop the bus to South Campus and arrive at Tennity Ice Pavilion where you and your friends can fall on your asses and laugh. Syracuse Students get onto the ice for free and shake rentals are $4. The rink is open everyday. On Friday and Saturday evenings the Pavilion is turned into a night club on ice. Groups of ten or more are offered a discount on rentals.

For more information on ice skating, visit: http://skate.syr.edu/