10 Free Things To Do Around James Madison University

Saving money can be hard, especially as a student. Cutting back on your late night cookout runs isn’t an option, and neither is cutting back on your alcohol budget. This is no longer something you need to worry about, because I have compiled a list of 10 free things to do around James Madison University- for all the broke college kids on a budget.

1. Visit the arboretum.

If you’re into nature, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a fun place to have a picnic, go on a walk with your SO, or even have a spontaneous photo-shoot! It has plenty of beautiful plants, and on nice days there are tons of dogs to pet as well.

2. Take a group exercise class at UREC

Recently I took a spin class, and it completely changed my life. It kicked my ass and I was sore for days, but now that I have recovered I cannot wait to take another one. Group classes are great motivation to go to the gym, and to get your friends to go with you. There is a wide variety of classes offered, and it’s really something you need to do at least once during your time at JMU.

3. Go to a concert at TDU.

UPB puts on a wide variety of fun events, including free concerts at TDU. As far as their free concerts go, they book amazingly talented up and coming bands. You can check the UPB events calendar for information about when the next concert is!

4. Get condoms from the well.

If you’re interested in other types of ‘free activities’, I recommend stopping by the well to pick up everything you could possibly need for safe sex. The well is located in SSC, and has a wall full of lube, condoms, and more! It is all completely free because, well, your tuition has to go somewhere.

5. Have an out of this world experience at the planetarium.

Located in Miller Hall, the John C. Wells Planetarium is a great place to go if you’re a nerd about space, or even if you just want to learn something new! They have free public shows on Saturdays from September to the end of June.

6. Hang out on the quad.

On nice spring day, or even winter days this year, the quad is a great place to hang out with your friends. You can lounge around, watch others do cool tricks, or pet the wide varieties of dogs that congregate there. Seriously. There’s a lot of dogs.

7. Take a cooking class at UREC.

Not only does UREC offer exercise classes, but it also offers nutrition and cooking classes. They offer classes that range from making healthy pizza to Ramen Noodles 101. They are a great way to learn to counteract the freshmen 15 and learn to treat your body right.

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8. Have a game night at TDU or Festival.

The Cave is an area at Festival where you can play a game of pool or foosball. It’s a great place for students on east campus to relax and have fun. On main campus you can have a game night at TDU. You can play a game of pool, or even rent cards and board games!

9. Get your laughs in at Funny Freaking Friday.

Also hosted by UPB, funny Freaking Friday is hosted at TDU. Various comedians come to JMU and give you a fun, free thing to do if going out on the weekends isn’t your thing!

10. Take a break at the Nap Nook.

College is stressful. Sometimes you just want to take a break from work and relax, even if just for a few minutes. Luckily, the nap nook at Festival gives you an opportunity to do that. In The Cave at festival, there are big bean bag chairs that you can nap, or scroll through social media on.