Living in San Diego can be as enjoyable without breaking the bank. College students are struggling enough to pay for classes and rent that not much money is left over to spend on activities. Therefore alternatives that cost little to no money is a great way to spend your free time.

San Diego is known for its many  beaches from Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, Torrey Pines, Coronado, Ocean Beach and Solana beach are all places you can collect your thoughts and be one with nature and enjoy the calming waves.

If the beach isn’t screaming at you then on Tuesday’s for the first four hours Balboa Park offers free admission to museums. The museums range from Timken Art, Natural History and the San Diego Air Space Museum and many more. In order to get into the museums an ID is required. Balboa Museums are located at 1549 El Prado 92101.

Seaport village, Old Town, and Downtown San Diego are fun to walk around and explore their many art pieces. Old Town is located at 4002 Wallace Street on 92110. Old Town captures the Mexican culture and brings out enjoyment and lots of colors to the town making it a fiesta, there are 12 art galleries and 27 historical buildings to see. A stroll through Downtown brings the night life alive and can be entertaining.

San Diego parks also offer a great way to get shade and stay active, in one of its many parks that includes Chicano Park, Balboa Park, Calavera, Mason, Hourglass Field Community and the Waterfront Park. The Waterfront Park is located at 1600 Pacific Highway 92101. Chicano Park has many historical art pieces and can be found at National Ave and S Evans Street on 92101.

Hiking trails are fun and free and can make a great work out. Torrey Pines, Lake Poway and Mount Woodson and Sunset Cliffs are just some of the many hiking trails in San Diego. These trails often clear the mind because of the calming nature that surrounds the trails. The view is astonishing at the top and can make an individual have a positive outlook on their day.

Most  students in college tend to go out to social gatherings. Meeting people at school can strike up a conversation and weekend plans. Talking to people and getting to know your fellow colleagues is a great start.

Although San Diego is said to be the fourth most expensive city to live in, it should take number one with all the ways there is to enjoy its many resources without spending a dime.