Being a student on a budget is a tough task — that’s why the staff of The Spectrum compiled a list of free and discounted things to do in and around the Queen City.
From hiking to sports games, thrifting to the gym, here’s a list of activities to satisfy your desires and take the dent out of your bank account:
Woodlawn Beach
Yes, I know you just re-read that. Buffalo does have beaches. Although it’s not weather-appropriate for the majority of the school year, the summer and beginning of the fall semester are optimal times for anyone looking to soak up some sun or cool off in the comfortable water.
Free to everyone, Woodlawn Beach resides on the easternmost point of Lake Erie, and is complete with a cool Buffalo breeze that perfectly complements the scorching July sun and more than enough room for social distancers to make their own space without worry of fellow beachgoers. Even pets can join in on the fun, with owners required to keep them supervised at all times, either crated or on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Alex Falter
Free Buffalo News Subscription
The cost of a subscription to The Buffalo News may be going up, but anyone with a UB email address can read all their articles for free. Through a partnership between UB the paper’s New in Education (NIE) program, UB students, faculty and staff members have unlimited access to the website, app and daily E-edition. All you have to do is go to go.BuffaloNews.com/ub-access and log-in with your UB email — just remember to check off the “remember me for seven days” box on the Duo authentication.
- Grant Ashley
Spotify Premium Subscription
As a student, Spotify Premium allows you to listen to ad-free music for a low monthly price of $4.99. Spotify Premium is originally $9.99 per month, so the student discount is a great deal. The subscription also comes with Hulu and Showtime — quite the value for a student on a budget. Getting the discount is easy; just verify you’re a student on the Spotify website and use the app — you’ll even get the obligatory Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year.
- Dan Eastman
Bird Island Pier
Bird Island Pier is a great day trip out for those seeking fresh air. With beautiful sightlines of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the Peace Bridge at your fingertips, this is the perfect spot for runners or cyclists and a lovely walk out for anyone else. You can access the pier through Broderick Park, and from there it’s a 2.2-mile trek south to the end of the pier. Unity Island Park is connected to the pier, too, adding to the pretty sights along the way.
- Sophie McNally
UNiDAYS
From tech to makeup to clothing, UNiDAYS is like Honey for college students. The website compiles student discounts for major brands like Samsung, Urban Outfitters, Ray Bans, Adidas and so many more — all in one convenient place. Sign up for a free account with your school email address and check the website before you buy anything online to see if you can save some extra cash. As long as your .edu email address is still active, you can reap the benefits of hundreds of student discounts!
- Natalie Doller
Free tickets to UB games
Undergraduate students receive a free ticket to any sporting event held at UB Stadium or Alumni Arena. Tickets are distributed electronically and can be found in your UB Rewards app. To reserve your ticket, go to the “Events” tab and click the check mark. All you will need to do on game day is scan the QR code and cheer on the Bulls!
- Kayla Sterner
Pay what you wish at Albright-Knox
Buffalo’s crown jewel, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, showcases modern and contemporary art and waives admission every first Friday of the month. M&T Bank sponsors “First Fridays” at the gallery campus off of Elmwood Avenue. While the gallery is undergoing construction, its Northland campus is open and offers pay-what-you-wish admission Friday through Sunday through Jan. 16. Albright Knox is the sixth-oldest public art institution in the country and the gallery is expected to reopen post-renovations in 2022.
- Julie Frey
Goodwill, Salvation Army and Savers
Who doesn’t like a good deal? When you head to either Goodwill, Salvation Army or Savers, you’re bound to find something for a great price. Whether it’s vintage sports gear, dress clothing or even a couch, these thrift stores have hidden gems for unbeatable prices. Each store has multiple locations scattered throughout the Buffalo area, so if you’re a big shopper, hit them all! If not, just find the one closest to you. Just remember, all of the clothes are donated, so make sure to wash everything right after you buy it.
- Anthony DeCicco
Hiking
There’s nothing quite as therapeutic as going outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and cool breeze. Whether you’re venturing to the North Towns or crossing the border into Pennsylvania, there’s something for everyone — scenic overlooks, pretty wildlife and friendly through-hikers. The best part? It’s completely free, save for parking costs.
- Justin Weiss
Central Rock Gym
Rock climbing is a great way to stay fit if you get bored working out in a regular gym. Central Rock Gym in Buffalo boasts floor-to-ceiling belay walls and endless bouldering opportunities. You’ll find a welcoming community filled with friendly climbers always willing to provide tips or motivation. The student discount knocks $3 off the day pass and $14 off the monthly membership, which is good for any of their locations. If you’re lucky enough, you can snag a semester pass through the outdoor adventure club for $100.
- Moaz Elazzazi
GrubHub
The final legs of the semester mean it’s high time to start thinking about dining arrangements for the next term. GrubHub+ is certainly one option on the table, with the food delivery service offering exclusive perks, promotions and free delivery to UB students free of charge until graduation. To activate this deal on the GrubHub app, navigate into the Account tab and select Grubhub+ membership, then click “I’m in.” Students can also use campus cash or FlexiBULL bucks as payment by verifying their UB affiliation in GrubHub’s Campus Dining tab.
- Kyle Nguyen
