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Sure, the Obama administration is poised to rescue the planet from economic implosion. Maybe. But miracles do not, in a day, happen. In fact, this one looks like it's going to be a long, nasty ride for some time to come.
Student loans only take you so far. What's needed is a primer for how to have fun on a short buck.
Here is a random sampling of things to do in Denver when you're dead broke. And while this list is far from exhaustive, at least you won't exhaust your budget trying to plow through it.
Free stuff on campus Let's face it: If you're looking to save dough, you don't want to go far to do it. And if you're a student on campus, you might as well take advantage of what Auraria has to offer.
There are yoga classes, meditation retreats, Qigong. Nobody really knows what Qigong is, but it's here and it costs you squat.
But what you really want to focus on is, of course, the PE building. There's no shame in admitting that you're packing on a few extra pounds-no shame, that is, so long as you're taking full advantage of the gut-busting services right here on campus. Yeah, exercise is evil, and it's easier to decode quantum mechanics than to stick to a regimen. But it's far, far worse to shell out student fees-which we all already do-for something you refuse to use.
There's a lap pool, the obligatory weight room (and the Neanderthals who live there), hoops galore-no end of free pain. Think of it this way, when you graduate, land that phat accounting job, and are still avoiding the gym, the one that's now jacking you for $85 a month, at least you can look back and reminisce on the halcyon days when you could have had hotness for free.
Get tested for STDs You didn't come to college just for an education. Make sure that overprice books and library late fees are the only thing you take away with you.
Denver Health (777 Bannock) can help with that. The state-of-the-art medical center and their dedicated health care professionals not only serve as Colorado's largest safety net for "vulnerable" populations, they offer rock-bottom screening for the clap.
Gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, even herpes and HIV-it's all covered. And if you're a certified Denver resident, so are you. But even if you live outside the city proper, nobody in the state can test you cheaper. And while having someone in a lab coat poking around your privates doesn't make for the best of times, at least they're making sure you can still have the best of times.
Get art Most everyone knows that you can get your fill of free art on Denver's First Friday. But can you get Rembrandt? Not likely if you're sticking to Santa Fe.
Enter the Denver Art Museum. The colossal plane crash of a building that is our city's ode to fine art opens its doors once a month-every first Saturday of the month, as a matter of fact-to any and all comers, free of charge.
Yes, you may have to wrestle for quality viewing space with the homeless. But you can pick up tips on how best to draw attention with cardboard signs while appraising a Monet.
And while you're at it, getting so cultured and stuff, you might as well check out the Denver Botanical Gardens which periodically hosts free days. And the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has them, too. And don't forget about the Downtown Aquarium; check their Web sites for details.
There you have it. Free exercise, free STD screening, free art. What more could a budget-minded student want?
Actually, there are any number of pro and low bono activities in the Mile High City. You just have to go find them. Most likely, empty-pocket nirvana is but a few Google clicks away. Just make sure you take advantage of free stuff when it's free, while it's free. Because when the economy comes screaming back, they're likely to start charging full price while the charging is good.
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