With the year starting, many of us are looking for ways to get out of our rooms and try new things without emptying our pockets. You will quickly realize it can be harder to find things to do than you originally might have thought. To cut out the middle man I’ve compiled a list of low– budget things to do around and on campus, with the help of some Bakersfield natives and students.

Kaiser-Permanente Sunday Farmers Market in the Vons parking lot can be a relaxed weekend routine. Where local vendors, growers, and students intersect; there’s something for everyone. This market is walking distance from campus, and a really cool way to support local vendors and grab budget-friendly ready-to-eat street snacks or pastries without spending more than $5–$10. 

Another option is the classic midweek budget movie night. Half price movies and popcorn on Tuesdays at Reading Cinemas. Tuesday ticket prices drop significantly compared to prime weekend rates, and discounted popcorn keeps the concessions trip from breaking the bank. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of classes. 

Why not make your Tuesday a double feature and start your evening at Casa Tabares for Taco Tuesday? At Casa Tabares, you can get tacos for $2.50 each, and for those of you 21 and older, Happy Hour is from 3 p.mm-7 p.m. where you can get select drinks for $5. This is one of my personal favorite spots because of the inexpensive eats and a lively atmosphere. 

Another great option is FireHouse, a high-energy hangout spot right around the corner from campus that offers friendly competition. Bowling solo or in pairs gets pricey, but splitting an hourly lane rate among 5 or 6 friends keeps it right around $10 per person. Beyond bowling, they offer pool tables and full food/drink menus, making it easy to hang out for a couple of hours without a huge bill. 

“I love FireHouse, I went for the first time recently with a friend and we ended up playing pool with some other people from campus I hadn’t met before and now we are planning to go again,” said freshman Elizabeth Johnson. 

If you don’t want to leave campus, that’s fine! There is plenty to do right here on campus with other students. Sports games are free for all Cal State Bakersfield students, and there are often side events going on as well. For example, the Rowdy Run that took place at the women’s soccer game was just the beginning of defining the student culture here at CSUB, and the Volleyball games give CSUB students a chance to win a $1,000 prize at their home games. Showing support at games is a great way to find community on campus and show some school spirit. 

The SRC (Student Recreation Center) is another option right here on campus that can help you engage with other students. The SRC is not just a gym, it offers so much more! They offer intramural sports, such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, and fantasy football. Get a group of friends and create a team! 

If that’s not quite what you want, the SRC also gives the option to sign up for outdoor adventures. They have programs including bouldering, rock climbing, hiking, camping, surfing, horseback riding, zip-lining, kayaking, skiing/snowboarding, and more. These outdoor activities are a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. 

The SRC also provides a challenge course right here on campus with the goal to create a more cohesive group than what you started with. Whether you sign up as a fairly new group or your long-term friend group, the Challenge Program is designed to create stronger bonds amongst your group in a thrilling way. 

“Joining my group as a team manager and not another player like everyone else was a little daunting, I felt not entirely comfortable with everyone else. When our coach signed us up for the challenge course I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I ended up having a great time with everyone and I started feeling like real friends with everyone after that,” said Zee Marquez, women’s basketball team manager.  

Living on a college budget doesn’t mean your social life has to be confined to your dorm room. Whether you’re grabbing cheap tacos, splitting a bowling lane off campus, or stepping out of your comfort zone with an SRC outdoor adventure, Bakersfield offers plenty of ways to build a community without emptying your wallet. Exploring new spots and taking advantage of student perks can make all the difference in turning a standard semester into an unforgettable year—so grab a group of friends and try something new this week.