What To Do Around ASU When You’re Broke AF
Finding fun things to do when you’re bored can be difficult, especially if you are trying to stick to a budget. Luckily for students at ASU, Tempe is filled with exciting things to do. There are hundreds of adventures you can go on and things to do around ASU, but keep reading for a list of my top 10 favorites!
1. Hike ‘A’ Mountain at Night
I’m sure everyone that goes to ASU has hiked, or at least heard of A Mountain, but not many people have thought about hiking it at night. On a clear night, which isn’t hard to come by in Arizona, grab a headlamp, a few flashlights, and some friends, and head out about 30 minutes before sunset. The trail is only .9 miles long so it doesn’t take long to get to the top. As the sun goes down you can view the amazing sunset, and when the sun is completely down, you can see the lights of Tempe glow. This is a great way to get in a workout and also appreciate the beauty of Tempe all at once.
2. Run/Walk on the Sidewalk Trails by Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a great place to paddleboard and kayak, but if you’d rather keep your feet on land, I recommend walking on the various sidewalk trails in the area. There is one that starts on campus and leads you down past Tempe Beach Park, where you can often find street performers and beautiful art sculptures. Follow the sidewalk past the Tempe Center of the Arts and walk onto the pedestrian bridge that overlooks the river.
3. Escape the Heat and Go To a Hockey Game
ASU has a highly ranked men’s hockey team, and when the temperature is still in the high 90s in October, the chilly ice rink air can be a blessing. Games are played at the Oceanside Ice Arena just a few miles north of campus. The arena is often said to be “the coldest spot in the valley”, which may be true seeing as the ice is kept at 22 degrees. Also, ASU games are free to students who arrive early enough to get a wristband which are handed out at the rink before every game.
4. Food Truck Thursdays
Every Thursday, a different local food truck comes to the ASU campus. The trucks are located at the corner of 6th Street and College Ave. The trucks are there from 11am-1:30pm. The food is always delicious and you could even win some free prizes!
5. Visit the Life Sciences Building
It isn’t hard to find cool things to do without even leaving campus. Even if you don’t have a class in the Life Sciences building, you can still go check out their collection of live reptiles and insects. Catch a glimpse at these animals in between classes or whenever you might be missing your pet snake that you couldn’t take with you to college.
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6. See a Concert in Katzin Concert Hall
This on-campus, indoor amphitheater is a great place to go and support the musically inclined students at ASU. The concerts held here are almost always free and happen pretty regularly. Sit back, relax, and listen to some amazing music.
7. Support ASU Athletics at Sporting Events
It is a pretty well-known fact that ASU sporting events are always a blast and for good reason! Check the home schedule of any sport and you’re sure to find a home game that you can go to. All sporting events are free for students, all you have to do is arrive early enough to receive a wristband because they are limited. Being a part of The Inferno is a fun and exciting way to support your peers, plus you might even receive a free shirt or other gear at the game.
8. Sunday Morning Farmers Market
If you enjoy farm fresh fruit and vegetables, and hand-crafted jewelry, then the Farmers Market might just be the place for you. Every Sunday from 8am-1pm, vendors and farmers meet up to sell their items, and give out free samples. The farmers market is located at 620 N. Mill Ave.
9. Hike to the Hole in the Rock
You read that right; Hole in the Rock. This is a set of rock formations located at Papago Park, with a trail leading up to a giant hole, in which you can sit and enjoy the shade and the views. This is a popular hiking spot and the views are completely worth the 0.3 mile hike. This super easy hike is a fun way to get active with some friends, and take some cute pics for Instagram all at once.
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10. Grab a Coffee and Walk Down Mill Ave.
Mill Ave. is easily the most popular place to eat, shop and hang out when in Tempe. There are lots of different restaurants and coffee shops to eat at, but one of my favorites is The Normal Diner, mostly because of the super cute coffee mural outside. I love grabbing a coffee and going for a stroll down Mill Ave. when the weather is nice.
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