Times get rough and pockets are emptier as a college student. After spending money on books, IKEA furniture and new ink cartridges, entertainment has become something students become a bit more hesitant to use money on. In a world where movie tickets cost more than $10 - and that doesn't even include a pair of 3D glasses - and concerts downtown are a bit unpractical to pay for with a work study source of income, here are some tips for the entertainment enthusiast trying to stretch the value of a penny.
Student Productions
The flyers spread across campus are an indication that Northwestern always has at least one student-run show going on, whether it be an a capella, dance or theatre production. These are always a ton of fun to go to, and the best part? It’s entertainment by students for students, so tickets will barely make a dent in your wallet. Just keep your eyes on the ground as you march through the Arch and you’ll definitely find something that sounds appealing to go to.
If performance arts aren’t really your thing, you can always catch an improv, stand-up comedy or open mic performance on campus or at one of the local coffee shops, like Kafein (located just down the street from Allison at 1621 Chicago). Open mic nights are every Monday at 8 p.m.
A&O recently announced that Nas and Young the Giant will be performing at Blowout 2012. The organization also puts on other productions throughout the school year, ranging from the speakers they bring to Northwestern to hosting its annual Ball in late winter. While some of their events only happen once a year (i.e. B-Fest in January), they always have movie screenings you can go to - either for $3 or for free - throughout the entire school year.
Cinemark Century Theatres
Early Bird: Go to the first showing of any film and only pay $5.50 ($8.75 for any 3D films).
Matinee: Missed the early bird special? Don’t worry, you can still get in for just $7 until 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and until 2 p.m. on Saturdays ($10.25 for any 3D films).
Student: Going to a movie after 6 p.m. on a weekday? Just flash your WildCARD and you can still get a discount for $8.75. ($12 for any 3D films.)
Occasionally, there will be a free pre-screening of a soon-to-be released film for Northwestern students. These don't happen often and seating is limited, so make sure to get in line first. Past screenings include The Social Network and Win Win.
Block Cinema
In the mood for a foreign film or an enlightening documentary? Then head over to Northwestern’s very own Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art and choose from an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary films for only $4 (just don’t forget to bring your student ID).
If you’re so broke that you don’t even have $4, you’re in luck: Block occasionally screens films for free. Check out their fall screening schedule to catch a free flick.
Libraries
Part of being a college student is sometimes not having a penny to your name. The library is a great resource to fulfill your entertainment needs while still being on a budget. The Marjorie I. Mitchell Multimedia Center - located on the second floor of Northwestern’s main library - literally has thousands of movies and television shows at your disposal, and you don’t have to pay a single cent.
If you’d rather hold on to a DVD for longer than three days - which is how long you can usually have a DVD checked out for from Northwestern’s library - head over to the Evanston Public Library, located right off campus and across the street from the Hilton Orrington at 1703 Orrington. You get to keep the DVDs for a week, and these rentals are also free. Even if you’re technically not an Evanston resident, you can still get a library card. Just show your dorm or off-campus address listed on CAESAR and you’re all set to calm your movie night cravings.
Musicals
Musicals are expensive - someone has to pay for all those nice chandeliers and plush carpeting in the theatres, but it doesn't have to be you. Although rush tickets aren't offered for all musicals in Chicago, if you snoop around, you can find them. The deal with rush tickets is that you have to physically show up at the box office on the day of the performance that you want to watch and buy the tickets then. There's also a limited number available, but if you line up an hour - or two, depending on the popularity of the musical - before the box office opens, you should be able to buy the tickets for very cheap. Currently, I Love Lucy (playing until Nov. 11) and Kinky Boots (playing until Nov. 4) are offering $25 student rush tickets.