With Valentine’s Day approaching, you might be looking for date ideas, Galentine’s activities, or some self-care suggestions. It’s important to have fun in college, but it can be challenging to find things to do on a student budget, especially without a car. Considering the already high costs of attendance, why not make use of all UB has to offer nearby?
1. See a movie at AMC, with a free movie ticket
While this isn’t on-campus, you can pick up free movie vouchers from the Student Union Ticket Office, redeemable at any AMC theater. Each undergraduate student is eligible for up to three tickets per semester, which can be used for a free AMC showing. You have the freedom to choose which theater and movie (there’s one located about a mile away), making it a more affordable way to enjoy a trip to the movies.
2. Take a fitness class around North or South Campus
Exercise may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but UB offers a variety of fitness classes that students can attend without needing to be enrolled. Options like spin, Zumba, pilates, yoga, and more can break the monotony of a traditional workout. These are a great way to take care of yourself, and can also be a nice opportunity to bond with others by stepping outside your comfort zone.
3. Visit an art gallery or museum
You might be familiar with the art gallery in the Center for the Arts, but did you know there are additional museums around the UB campuses? The Academic Center features a small anthropology museum, near the totem pole, and on South Campus, you can explore the UB Anderson Art Gallery. Both are free to visit! For those interested in medicine, students can schedule an appointment in advance to visit the Brain Museum and explore historic medical equipment at the Museum of Radiology and Medical Physics on South Campus.
4. Explore the UB libraries
Reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for nerds out there (I say this affectionately), the UB libraries have books appealing to every niche. Graphic novels, art coffee table books, poetry, and popular fiction novels can all be found in Lockwood library and the other UB libraries.
Speaking from experience, you can also request books for free through the Delivery+ system, so you don’t need to make a trip to Barnes and Noble, saving you some money. UB offers access to archives, audiovisual materials, and even pianos to borrow. Plus, there are pretty spaces like South Campus’ Abbott Library for a stroll.
5. Take a nature walk around Ellicott Creek and the Ellicott Complex
Like the next activity on the list, this might not be the most appealing idea during this time of year, but when the weather warms up, why not take a scenic walk around the northernmost part of North Campus? If you’re walking solo, music, a podcast, or an audiobook can keep you company as you enjoy the trees and pathways of Ellicott Creek. If you’d prefer to walk with someone else, grab a refreshing beverage (perhaps from your favorite café) to make for a pleasant time with a friend or significant other.
6. Boat around in a kayak on Lake LaSalle
While it’s not possible to try this in the winter, during the warmer months at UB, you can borrow a kayak and paddle around Lake LaSalle. It’s both relaxing and somewhat hilarious trying to navigate a kayak without tipping over. If you’re feeling adventurous,you can even race your friends in the kayaks!
7. Attend an event, which can be found through UBlinked
This might be the most obvious suggestion on the list, but UB offers free events every day through clubs, residence halls, and the student association. Past events have included dance parties, drag shows, roller skating, concerts, bingo, and barbecues.
These events provide great opportunities to try something new, often with added prize and merchandise incentives. Even if you’re unsure if the event will be interesting, there’s no risk in checking it out, especially considering that you’ve already paid the mandatory student fee.
8. Host a movie or TV night
A great idea for any time and any weather; if you don’t have a TV, you might be able to connect a laptop to one of the televisions in the dorms, apartment lounges, or study rooms that are widely available. Watching movies is a great way to get closer to others, but it’s always an enjoyable solo activity.
Nadia Brach is an assistant arts editor and can be reached at nadia.brach@ubspectrum.com
